IPA: /ˈkɔːdɛks/
KK: /ˈkɔːdɛks/
The thick, often underground part of a plant's stem that stores nutrients and from which new leaves and flowers grow.
The caudex of the plant helps it survive during dry seasons by storing water and nutrients.
Caudex is derived from Latin 'caudex' (meaning tree trunk or wood). The word refers to the trunk of a tree, emphasizing its solid and foundational nature.
Think of a sturdy 'tree trunk' ('caudex') when you remember that 'caudex' refers to the trunk of a tree.