bottle-palm
Beaucarnea Lem.
A genus overview; characteristics vary between its species.
Beaucarnea combines a substantial stem base with a crown of narrow leaves and large branching clusters of tiny flowers. Its members range from shrubby plants to trees. The genus is closely related to Nolina, but molecular and morphological research supports recognizing it separately. That research also brought the former genus Calibanus into Beaucarnea. UNAM eFloraMex: BeaucarneaRojas-Piña et al. 2014, Taxon: Molecular phylogenetics and morphology of Beaucarnea
Botanical name
The cited taxonomic authority accepts Beaucarnea Lem at genus rank. Kew POWO: Beaucarnea Lem.
Recognizing the plant
The stem base can be rounded or cone-shaped, with bark ranging from relatively smooth to fissured into polygonal plates. Linear leaves have channelled surfaces and minute teeth along their edges. Separate plants bear male or female flowers. In the Mexican flora, the cream to nearly white blossoms occur in small groups along the branching inflorescence. Male flowers have six stamens; female flowers develop fruits with three distinct wings. The seeds are rounded to ellipsoid and three-lobed, with colours varying through brown, reddish and yellowish tones. Papery bracts accompany the flower-bearing stalks and branches. UNAM eFloraMex: Beaucarnea
Native range
Its species are native to Mexico and Central America and belong to the asparagus family. Kew POWO: Beaucarnea Lem.
Botanical sources
- Kew POWO: Beaucarnea Lem.
- UNAM eFloraMex: Beaucarnea
- Rojas-Piña et al. 2014, Taxon: Molecular phylogenetics and morphology of Beaucarnea
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.