Actually, shrubs are just as caulescent as trees. They have stems and
branches (they do lack a single trunk.) "Acaulescent" refers to a plant
with no stem at all--that is, all the leaves appear to arise from the
ground. Liriope (lily turf) is a good example. So is dandelion--no
stem at all (the flower stalk doesn't count)

Monique Reed

Hosley wrote:
Does anyone know how long the terms "caulescent" and "acaulescent"
have been in use, and if their is a reference I can point to where
they were first used? They refer to whether or not a plant has a
visible stem. For example, trees are considered caulescent because of
their prominent trunks, whereas some (but not all ) shrubs are
acaulescent, with their stems being underground.

Thanks,
Hos