ˈkȯˌdeks noun
( plural caudi·ces -_dəˌsēz ; or caudex·es -ˌdeksə̇z)
Etymology: Latin — more at code
: the main axis including both stem and root of a plant:
a. : the stem of a palm or tree fern covered with persistent leaf bases or marked with their scars
b. : the woody base of a perennial plant