RN-BCNA-00002

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DocumentedCaudiciformMexico

Beaucarnea gracilis Lem.

Slender beaucarnea

Beaucarnea gracilis Lem. is a species endemic to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, in the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. Unlike B. recurvata, it has a slimmer, more slender trunk with stiffer, more erect leaves. It is considered a threatened species due to the destruction of its habitat in one of Mexico's most biodiverse regions. The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, providing protection for its wild populations.

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height

Height

30 cm–6 m (in habitat)

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Watering frequency

Every 3–5 weeks (summer)

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Sun hours

6+ hours of sun or bright light

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Minimum temperature

7–10 °C

Family

Asparagaceae

Genus

Beaucarnea

Conservation Status

Threatened (VU/EN according to sources); endemic to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley. Deforestation and illegal extraction for ornamental trade represent the main threats. Area now protected as UNESCO Heritage Site.

Growth Habit

Perennial caudiciform tree; trunk slimmer than B. recurvata, with moderate swollen base. Linear leaves 40–120 cm, stiffer and less recurved than the better-known species. Reaches 3–6 m in habitat. Very slow growing.

Overview

Category	Classification
Family	Asparagaceae
Genus	Beaucarnea
Growth Habit	Perennial caudiciform tree; trunk slimmer than B. recurvata, with moderate swollen base. Linear leaves 40–120 cm, stiffer and less recurved than the better-known species. Reaches 3–6 m in habitat. Very slow growing.
Conservation Status	Threatened (VU/EN according to sources); endemic to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley. Deforestation and illegal extraction for ornamental trade represent the main threats. Area now protected as UNESCO Heritage Site.
pH Target	6.0–7.5
Type	Dry sandy loam to sandy, very well drained

Origin & Habitat

Native Region

México (Puebla, Oaxaca — Valle de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán)

Ecosystem

Perennial caudiciform plant

Habitat Tags

PueblaOaxacaTehuacán-Cuicatlán ValleyXerophilous scrubMexico

Morphology

Caudex / trunk

Trunk slimmer than B. recurvata, with moderately swollen base but more proportionate height-to-diameter ratio. Grey-brown, wrinkled, fibrous bark.

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Leaves

Linear leaves 40–120 cm, stiffer than B. recurvata, with more erect tendency. Dark green to grey-green color. Finely serrated margins.

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Flowers

Paniculate inflorescences with small white to cream flowers, similar to B. recurvata. Dioecious species. Flowering in spring in adult plants over 10 years old.

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General habit

More slender and stylized general appearance than B. recurvata. In habitat it grows in xerophilous scrub communities alongside columnar cacti such as Neobuxbaumia and Cephalocereus.

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Requirements

Light

Full sun outdoors; indoors, very bright position with at least 4–6 hours of direct sun or intense bright light.

Watering

Water every 3–5 weeks in spring-summer; every 6–8 weeks in autumn-winter. Very drought tolerant once established.

Temperature

Optimal 18–35 °C. Tolerates extreme heat. Recommended minimum: 7–10 °C in cultivation.

Soil

Very draining cactus mix; 50% potting soil + 50% perlite or volcanic sand. Same as B. recurvata.

Recommended Substrate

Soil & Substrate

landslide

pH Target 6.0–7.5

Type

Dry sandy loam to sandy, very well drained

groups Beneficial Associations

NeobuxbaumiaCephalocereusAgave marmorataBrahea dulcis

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Propagation Strategy

Seeds Medium

Season: Spring Rooting: 3–5 weeks to germinate

Success Rate 50–70%

1 Soak seeds 24 h in warm water; discard those that float
2 Sow in draining mineral substrate at 22–26 °C
3 Keep slightly moist until germination
4 Transplant carefully when they reach 5–7 cm

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Key Tip

warning

Common Mistake

Overwatering

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Repotting

Every 3–4 years in spring

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Fertilizer

Mineral fertilizer diluted to 50% once a month in spring-summer. No fertilizer in autumn-winter.

Uses & Applications

Uses

Collector ornamentalXerophytic gardensLarge format houseplant

Parts Used

Whole plant (ornamental)

warning

Precautions / Toxicity

Slightly toxic to pets; non-toxic to humans.

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Plant Health

Severity: Low

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science

"B. gracilis is endemic to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 for its exceptional biodiversity. It is morphologically closer to B. stricta than to B. recurvata. Wild populations suffered massive extraction for the ornamental trade in past decades, although UNESCO protection improves its conservation outlook."

Researcher Notes — RN-BCNA-00002

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Disclaimer

This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.