Small tree or large shrub from tropical Mexico to 10-15 feet tall (taller in habitat) with a wide, globose base and many slender branches bearing light green or blue-green leaves. Dioecious (having separate sexes), with many tiny cream-colored flowers, and propagated from seed. The base may reach up to 8 feet wide with advanced age. Old plants in habitat have many branches (with much rebranching) and may resemble yuccas from a distance; they may live for hundreds of years.

This species is somewhat rare in cultivation, orders of magnitude less common than B. recurvata. It is similar to B. stricta, but its leaves are narrower and shorter, its base is more globose and less conical, and its branches are more numerous and narrower. It is called sotolín or pata de elefante in Mexico (the latter name also used for the much more common B. recurvata). The species name refers to the slender upper branches (at least compared to other Beaucarneas) but the base is anything but slender. From Puebla and Oaxaca.

Tough, long-lived, and drought tolerant in cultivation. Plant with good drainage in full sun (or part shade in hot climates). An unusual, distinctive form with special appeal for lovers of fat plants.

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