Care of the tree Beaucarnea gracilis or Mexican Pony Tail Palm |
|
The genus Beaucarnea, family Asparagaceae, includes about 15 species of tropical trees native to Mexico and Central America. Some species are: Beaucarnea gracilis, Beaucarnea goldmanii, Beaucarnea beldingii, Beaucarnea recurvata, Beaucarnea hiriartiae, Beaucarnea guatemalensis. Common name: Mexican Pony Tail Palm. Scientific synonym: Nolina gracilis. This species is native to Oaxaca and Puebla, México. They are relatively fast growing dioecious tropical trees that reach 12 meters (39.37 feet) in height. The stem has rough bark and is very thickened at the base. The leaves are linear, light green in color and appear in terminal rosettes. They produce long, branched, cream-colored inflorescences. They bloom in summer. These easy-to-grow plants are used in wide, shallow pots as indoor and greenhouse plants, on rockeries, as isolated specimens, in cactus gardens. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Beaucarnea gracilis prefers full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. It resists light frosts down to -2 ºC (28.4 ºF). They grow well in sandy soils with excellent drainage. The transplant is done in early spring if the pot is too small. They are very resistant to drought plants that need occasional watering, always waiting for the substrate to dry completely; in winter do not water. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They are plants sensitive to excess irrigation but resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring in a seedbed in a sandy substrate. |
Images of the tree Beaucarnea gracilis or Mexican Pony Tail Palm |
 Beaucarnea gracilis |