Common Name:
ponytail palm
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Beaucarnea recurvata
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Beaucarnea recurvata is not a true palm it has a large, swollen, flask-shaped trunk. This swollen trunk retains water and at the narrow top of the trunk the fountain-like leaves droop over. These leaves are flat and arch downward, the can be up to six inches long. Older more mature ponytail palms can produce clusters of tiny white flowers (7).
Compound:
Bea rec
Geographic Origin:
Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Neotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Beaucarnea was founded by Lemaire in 1861 and was named for the Belgian amateur, Jean-Baptiste Beaucaire (4). This plant originated in Mexico, but over time new types of sub spices have spawned. In 2001, research has shown that eight sub species of the plant has been discovered (4). By 2014 four new sub-species have been found under the plant (4). This plant spread from its natural habitat to other locations through seed trade due to research and commercial value (4).
Cultivation Notes:
The ponytail plant is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperature 110 degrees Fahrenheit (1,5). This plant does well in direct sunlight though it can still grow in partial sunlight (5). The soil must have good soil drainage and is very sensitive to salt (5). In hotter climates irrigation is required in watering but can also withstand moderate drought due to the base of its trunk that stores water for future use (1,5). Pruning is not a necessity but to keep the plant neat and tidy you can remove the dead leaves (5). While propagating new plants it is preferred to do it in the spring (5). The seeds must be soaked overnight and planted in a moist sand based soil mix (5).
Ethnobotany:
The ponytail palm is most often used as a houseplant or patio plant due to its good looking appearance and the way the swollen base looks different than most house plants thus it attracts household buyers (6).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
Cream
Function:
Patio
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
- Mahr, Susan. “Ponytail Palm, Beaucarnea Recurvata.” Master Gardener Program, wimastergardener.org. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
- Irish, M. and G. Irish. 2000.
- Irish, Gary, and Mary F Irish. Agaves, Yuccas, and Related Plants: A Gardener's Guide. 1st ed., Timber Press Incorporated, 2000.
- Walker, Colin (2015). Beaucarnea updated. CactusWorld, 33(4) pp. 267–272. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
- Arizona State University, public.asu.edu. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
- “Beaucarnea Recurvata Plant Profile.” Beaucarnea Recurvata, floridata.com. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
- missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
