Caudex

Caudex refers to a thickened, often woody stem or trunk of a plant, typically at or near ground level, that serves as a reservoir for water and nutrients. The term comes from the Latin caudex, meaning trunk or stem. In botany, caudex is used to describe the main stem of caudiciform plants—species whose above-ground stem is succulent and enlarged, while roots may be shallow or extensive. Caudices can be bottle-shaped, pancake-like, or irregularly swollen, and may be partly subterranean or exposed. They are an adaptation to arid or seasonally dry environments, enabling survival through drought by storing water.

Caudex-forming plants are common in tropical and subtropical regions and include a variety of genera such as Adenium, Beaucarnea, Pachypodium, Fockea, and Dioscorea. These plants often have a fleshy, moisture-rich stem with a crown of leaves at the top; some have deciduous foliage, dropping leaves during dry seasons. The caudex persists for many years and can increase in diameter as the plant ages.

In cultivation, caudex-forming species are grown for their ornamental value. Requirements vary by species but generally involve well-draining soil, bright light, and careful watering to avoid rot during dormancy. Many tolerate long dry spells and benefit from a seasonal rest. Propagation is typically via cuttings or seeds, with attention to the plant’s dormancy cycle.