Guatemalan Ponytail Palm

Scientific name: Beaucarnea guatemalensis

POWO Status:  Caudex Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ ″ N, 64° 49′ ″ W

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20250712

Observations:

Phenological Markers –

Common Name: Guatemalan Ponytail Palm, Guatemalan Bottle Palm
Scientific Name: Beaucarnea guatemalensis
Family: Asparagaceae (subfamily Nolinoideae)
Native Range: Guatemala and southern Mexico
Habitat: Dry forests, rocky slopes, and semi-arid hillsides

General Description:

Beaucarnea guatemalensis is a slow-growing, long-lived woody tree recognized for its bulbous base (used for water storage), a tall, slender trunk, and a dense crown of narrow, ribbon-like leaves. It can reach 20–30 feet tall in its natural habitat and mature landscape plantings. Though often called a “palm,” it is not a true palm — instead, it is a tree-like succulent with genuine woody structure and exceptional drought tolerance.

This species is closely related to Beaucarnea recurvata but typically grows taller and straighter, with stiffer leaves and a more upright crown.

Phenological Markers:

1. Flowering Period:

  • First Sign of Budding: Late spring to early summer (May – June)
  • Peak Bloom: Summer (June – July)
  • End of Flowering: Late summer (August)
  • Flower Characteristics: Creamy-white to pale yellow flowers in large, branched panicles emerging from the crown; often only produced by mature trees (15+ years)

2. Leaf Growth and Senescence:

  • New Leaf Growth: Spring to early summer (March – June)
  • Leaf Maturity: Summer (June – July)
  • Leaf Senescence: Ongoing, with older leaves browning and dying back year-round
  • Leaf Characteristics: Narrow, stiff, grass-like leaves, 2–4 feet long, emerging in tufts from the crown; may form dense skirt below living crown

3. Fruit Production:

  • First Sign of Fruit Development: Late summer (August – September)
  • Fruit Maturity: Early to mid-fall (October – November)
  • End of Fruit Production: Late fall (November)
  • Fruit Characteristics: Small, dry, capsule-like fruits; typically follow flowering and are often produced in abundance

4. Dormancy Period:

  • Dormancy Begins: Winter (December – February)
  • Dormancy Ends: Early spring (March)
  • Dormancy Characteristics: Growth slows during dry or cool seasons; may pause flowering and leaf expansion

Ecological Notes:

  • Pollinators: Small insects (bees, flies, beetles)
  • Wildlife Interaction: Provides habitat structure; not typically browsed due to tough leaves
  • Soil Preferences: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils; tolerates drought and poor fertility
  • Growth Habit: Slender trunk with an enlarged base (caudex); branches only at maturity; can reach 20–30 ft with age

Observational Guidelines:

  • Best Time for Observation: April through October for flowering and fruiting activity
  • Phenology Triggers: Flowering often triggered by seasonal heat and dry-to-wet transitions
  • Photographic Focus:
    • Crown and trunk shape (to document woody growth)
    • Leaf tufts and skirt
    • Inflorescences and maturing fruit (if present)
    • Bark texture and base swelling

ArbNet Qualification Notes:

Beaucarnea guatemalensis qualifies as a tree under ArbNet standards when:
– Planted in ground (not containerized)
– Reaches minimum mature height (15+ ft)
– Displays single-stemmed, woody growth and visible trunk structure
– Maintained as a specimen tree, not as a succulent ornamental

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