Care of the tree Beaucarnea hiriartiae or Elephant's-foot |
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The genus Beaucarnea, family Asparagaceae, includes about 15 species of tropical trees native to Mexico and Central America. Some species are: Beaucarnea hiriartiae, Beaucarnea gracilis, Beaucarnea goldmanii, Beaucarnea beldingii, Beaucarnea recurvata, Beaucarnea guatemalensis. Common name: Elephant's-foot. Scientific synonym: Nolina hiriartiae. This species is native to Guerrero and the state of Mexico. They are branched evergreen trees with a thickened trunk at the base that reach 8 meters (26.24 feet) in height. The long, narrow, light green leaves appear in terminal rosettes. They produce long, cream-colored pyramidal inflorescences. They bloom in summer. They are used in gardening, rockery, on dry slopes, as isolated specimens, in small groups and in pots that are wider than deep when they are young. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Beaucarnea hiriartiae prefers full sun exposure but also grows in light shade. Resists light and occasional frosts. The soil can be a mixture, in the same proportions, of normal garden soil and coarse sand. It is important that the drainage is excellent. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely; in winter do not water if they are grown outdoors. They are very resistant to drought plants. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases but very sensitive to excess watering that rot the roots. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring in the nursery; they germinate in 3-4 months. |
Images of the tree Beaucarnea hiriartiae or Elephant's-foot |
 Beaucarnea hiriartiae |