Beaucarnea (syn. Nolina) recurvata - smoke-eating plant (Baschet)

Genus of about 8 species of evergreen tree succulents, closely related to Nolina. They grow in semi-desert areas and bushland from the southern United States to Guatemala. Beaucarnea recurvata has a slightly branched stem up to 6-8 m high, with a characteristic bottle-shaped basal swelling. In the stem the plant accumulates water as a reserve source for the dry season. At the ends of the branches there are tufts of thin linear leaves, light green in colour, up to 70-90 cm long with a characteristic curved shape. After 20-30 years the plant produces creamy white flowers collected in terminal panicles in spring.

Pedoclimatic needs

Non-rustic plant that cannot tolerate frost. It can be grown outdoors in the citrus climate, where temperatures do not fall below 0°/-1°C. Being a slow-growing species, it is suitable for cultivation in pots. Particularly decorative plant due to its swollen stem surmounted by elegant tufts of curved leaves. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun. During the dry season it tolerates drought well, although it benefits from regular irrigation, waiting for the earth to dry between one administration and another. During autumn/winter, watering must be reduced or suspended, as the plant goes dormant and uses the water reserves stored inside the stem.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Beaucarnea recurvata sin Nolina recurvata

Family: Nolinaceae