Caudex appraisal guide

What determines the price

• Caudex thickness and form

  High

  The core of evaluation is caudex thickness approaching a spherical shape with substantial, full appearance. Round, protruding sculptural forms are valued more highly than thin or elongated ones.

• Branch shape and tree form

  High

  The way branches spread from the caudex and the completeness of a natural tree form increase ornamental value. The better balanced the branch development, the higher the evaluation.

• Seed-grown or wild-collected (imported)

  High

  Seed-grown plants cultivated from seeds domestically offer peace of mind in terms of quarantine and environmental adaptation. Wild-collected imports have thicker caudexes, but confirming root development status is essential.

• Presence or absence of roots and root condition

  High

  Well-rooted specimens have low establishment risk and make for stable transactions. For wild-collected imports, confirming root development status is essential.

• Size and age

  Medium

  Specimens with large caudexes take many years to cultivate, so rarity increases. Often, quality of form is more important than size.

Appraisal points

Confirming caudex form

Good:

Caudex approaches spherical shape with roundness and protrusion, with substantial fullness.

Caution:

If the caudex is soft or has many wrinkles, it's a sign of poor root development or insufficient moisture.

Verify root development

Good:

Multiple sturdy roots are visible, and the plant is stable in the medium.

Caution:

If root development is unclear or the plant is unstable, root development management is needed. Always confirm this, especially for wild-collected imports.

Confirming branch shape and tree form

Good:

Branches develop with good balance, with high completeness as a natural tree form.

Caution:

If branches are biased in one direction or unnatural cutting is present, assess the future tree form.

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