Posted by
Baja_Costero (Baja California - Zone 11b) on Feb 21, 2017 2:30 PM concerning plant:
One of two species in the strange former Mexican genus Calibanus, which has been merged with Beaucarnea based on DNA evidence. Both grow a wide, low, woody stem (the "boulder" of the epithet) topped and hidden by tufts of long, wiry, grass-like leaves. The leaves may have fine serrations which are more evident by touch than by sight.
A bit messy in appearance and very slow to reach its full potential size.
A note on grooming. This is a scrappy looking plant and any attempt to make it look perfect will meet with failure. That said, it's a good idea to go through and remove dead leaves every year or so (just pull one at a time, with a bit of lateral movement). If the base of a leaf is green, leave it. Photos of this plant with no dead leaf parts showing are the product of much scissor work or aggressive leaf removal.
Separate male and female individuals. Hypogeal germination. Plants may branch as early as 6 months and form a caudex of 1-2 inches after a year. They may fill a 3 gallon (10 inch) pot in their third year and may flower at 10 years or less (7 years here).
Wait several years to display the caudex. However, given time, an exposed caudex will tend to develop the rough surface texture that makes old habitat plants spectacular. Hollows in the caudex, a nice protected area, often support animal life in nature.
The interesting hybrid "Lotusland" (named after its place of origin) may be with Beaucarnea recurvata and has an intermediate phenotype.
