In botany, the main stem or trunk of a plant, particularly a woody plant like a shrub or tree; also used in biology to refer to a main stem or stalk.
From Latin 'caudex' (tree trunk, wooden frame). The word comes from the same root as 'caudal' (relating to the tail) and is part of the classical vocabulary scientists borrowed for describing plant structures.
Scientists love Latin words because they let them be super specific—'caudex' isn't just any trunk, it refers specifically to the woody main stem, which helps botanists communicate exactly what they mean without confusion!
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