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Design and InstallationGarden Caregarden TriviaIndoor plantsPlant Health CareUncategorized
Written By Grahame Hubbard

THE MESMERIZING CAUDICIFORMS

What are they ?

Caudiciform plants are those that create a swollen base or trunk - which is called a caudex.  Usually above ground, they can also develop under the soil level.  The trunk can be smooth, bumpy or even have a turtle back arrangement! 

Many caudiciform plants are also classified as pachycauls.  Derived from Greek - pachy, which means thick, and Latin - caulis, or stem. Pachycauls usually have very few branches in proportion to their thick trunks.

Why are they like this ?

Their distinctive structure is a survival mechanism. During the short rainy season, the enlarged stems store water.  It then uses this water over the long dry season. Hence, they evolved in areas of distinct seasonal rain. 

Where do they come from ?

Basically, they evolved everywhere on the planet where the environment is subject to infrequent rains.  Most commercially grown caudiciforms come from the desert regions of Africa or Mexico. The Baobab tree is from Madagascar.  

Can one use them Indoors ?

Some of the caudiciforms are used as indoor plants.  Because of where they evolved most want a hot, dry, brightly lit or sunny spot to grow in.  A few like the common ponytail (Beaucarnea recurvata) have the ability to adapt to artificial lighting. Most of the time you will have to put in a sunny window.  Otherwise they may become weak, or not grow properly nor bloom. Here are samples of some that are commercially available - nursery grown. 

Adenium obesum (desert rose)

Albuca genus (pregnant onion)

Jatropha podagrica (Buddhas belly)

Dioscorea elephantipes(elephants foot) 


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Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA

All photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK 

Grahame Hubbard

Grahame was born in a small village in North Queensland, Australia. He grew up on a
fishing boat with his parents until the age of 12. He was educated via the "Outback School of the Air", a two-way radio-learning system.

Ironically, Grahame ended up amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City -- quite a contrast from the village of sixty people he was born in.
This change was brought about by his overwhelming desire to travel, his passion for experiencing the diversity of the world, and his desire to immerse himself in varying cultures.

After growing up on the sea, Grahame resided in New Zealand for ten years, Thailand for three seasons and then lived for a decade in Canada before making New York City home.

Coming from a gardening family of Orchid experts, Grahame has always been mesmerized by nature. He has a lifelong love of plants, gardens, garden design and all aspects of the horticultural arts and sciences.

Owner of Plant Specialists since 2004, he is proud to be involved with a team that have been Greening New York’s interiors and exteriors since 1972!

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