suffrutices

Suffrutices are a growth form in perennial plants characterized by a persistent, woody base from which seasonal, above‑ground shoots arise. The upper parts are often herbaceous and die back at least some of the year, while the underlying woody stock survives to resprout. In this way, suffrutices resemble small shrubs or subshrubs that maintain a durable base rather than being woody throughout their entire structure.

Morphology and habit commonly include a lignified or tuberous base (a caudex or thickened rootstock) from which new shoots emerge annually. The visible crown is typically low and compact, forming cushions or small, spreading shrubs. Leaves and stems may be reduced or herbaceous, contributing to rapid regrowth after dormancy, drought, frost, or disturbance.

Ecology and distribution: the suffrutice habit is well suited to Mediterranean, arid, and fire-prone environments where persistence at the base allows plants to recover quickly after adverse conditions. This growth form enables resilience through vegetative propagation and may occur across many plant families, reflecting a functional adaptation rather than a strict taxonomic group.

Relationship to other growth forms: suffrutices are distinct from true shrubs or trees, which retain woody above-ground structure year-round, and from herbaceous perennials that die back to the ground with little or no persistent woody base. They are also used descriptively in horticulture and botanical descriptions to indicate habit rather than to classify plants within a single lineage.

Etymology: the term derives from Latin suffrutex, meaning a shrub-like or nearly woody plant; suffrutices is the plural form. The concept emphasizes habit and persistence of the basal woody stock over strict taxonomic relationships.