caudexlike

Caudexlike is a descriptive term used in botany and horticulture to refer to plants that develop a thickened, often bottle-shaped base or stem that stores water and nutrients. The word draws from caudex, Latin for “trunk” or “stem,” and is used to describe a growth form rather than a taxonomic group.

Morphology and appearance: A caudexlike plant typically features a swollen base—ranging from a compact, tuberous swell to a stout, vertical trunk—that persists for many years. From the base, above-ground shoots and leaves arise, and in many species the foliage is seasonal. The degree of exposure of the base varies; some plants present a prominent, above-ground caudex, others bury part of it and reveal only a bulbous crown.

Ecology and distribution: Caudexlike forms occur across several plant families, especially among succulent and caudiciform lineages. They are common in tropical and subtropical regions as adaptations to drought and irregular rainfall, enabling resource storage during dry periods.

Cultivation and care: In cultivation, caudexlike plants prefer bright light and well-draining soil. They are typically watered sparingly, allowing the medium to dry between waterings, with some species entering dormancy during dry seasons. Protective measures against cold and frost are important in temperate regions. Repotting should be careful to minimize damage to the base, as the caudex can be sensitive to disturbance.

Relation to related terms: Caudexlike describes morphology rather than a formal taxonomic group. It is closely related to terms such as caudiciform and caudex-forming, which also reference stout, water-storing bases used by many desert and semi-arid species.

Notable cultivated examples include Adenium obesum, Pachypodium species, Fockea edulis, Dioscorea elephantipes, and various caudiciform Euphorbia.