The Collaborative International Dictionary
Caulis
Caulis \Cau"lis\, n.; L. pl. Caules. [L., a stem.] (Bot.) An herbaceous or woody stem which bears leaves, and may bear flowers.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
caulis
"stem or stalk of a plant," Latin; see cole.
Wiktionary
caulis
n. 1 (context architecture English) Each of the main stalks which support the volutes and helices of a Corinthian capital. 2 (context botany English) The stalk of a plant, especially a herbaceous stem in its natural state.