Beaucarnea hookeri Baker
Hooker's beaucarnea
Beaucarnea hookeri Baker is a species of Beaucarnea native to the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. It was named in honor of Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, the renowned botanist and director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Like other species in the genus, it features the characteristic bulbous base and a crown of linear leaves. It is less common in cultivation than B. recurvata and B. gracilis, but is found in specialized botanical collections worldwide.
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© Krzysztof Ziarnek (Kenraiz) / Wikimedia Commons
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Beaucarnea |
| Growth Habit | Perennial caudiciform tree with swollen base; linear leaves in apical crown. Reaches several meters in habitat. Morphology similar to other species in the genus. Very slow growing. |
| Conservation Status | Poorly evaluated; endemic to Oaxaca. Presumed to be in a vulnerable situation due to pressure on Oaxacan habitats. |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Sandy to sandy loam, very well drained |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Swollen bulbous base with fibrous grey-brown bark, storing water reserves. Morphologically similar to B. recurvata but with different proportions.
ecoLinear, long and narrow leaves in apical crown. Serrated margins. Medium green color.
ecoPaniculate inflorescences with small white flowers. Dioecious species. Flowering in adult plants.
ecoSingle trunk, branching at maturity, with fibrous wrinkled bark characteristic of the genus.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy to sandy loam, very well drained
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Soak in warm water 24 h
- 2 Sow in draining mineral mix at 22–26 °C
- 3 Keep slightly moist until germination
- 4 Transplant when at least 5 cm tall
C
Overwatering
Every 3–4 years in spring
Mineral fertilizer diluted to 50% once a month in spring-summer.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Slightly toxic to pets; non-toxic to humans.
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Plant Health
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"Beaucarnea hookeri was described by John Gilbert Baker in 1875. The specific epithet honors Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817–1911), director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and one of the most influential botanists of the 19th century. The species is relatively little studied compared to B. recurvata, and its taxonomy has been revised several times."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
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.