Cadmium tolerance and accumulation characteristics of mature flax, cv. Hermes: Contribution of the basal stem compared to the root

► Cd accumulated in stem bottom part exceeded the defined hyperaccumulator threshold. ► No toxic symptoms occurred and TI of all growth parameters ranged between 0.7 and 1. ► The high level of Zn, Mn and Cu may contribute to the absence of chlorosis in stem. ► Cd/Ca synergistic effect observed in the stem may alleviate Cd toxicity. ► Hermes variety accumulated more Cd than the other flax varieties ever described.