An unusual plant, also known as elephant foot tree or bottle palm, this species eventually becomes a large tree in its native southeast Mexico. Its flask-shaped trunk is swollen at the base and branches only rarely as it ages.

Clusters of long, dark green leaves are borne in terminal rosettes, each leaf curving downward with a pronounced channel and slightly toothed edges. It is this plume of foliage that gives the plant another of its common names, pony tail.

Size: Height to 6—7 ft. (2—2.2 m).

Light: Direct sunlight.

Temperature: Normal room; winter- minimum 50°F (10°C).

Moisture: Keep moist from spring to fall. In winter, apply only enough water to prevent the soil mix from drying out.

Feeding: Use standard liquid fertilizer once a month in spring and summer.

Propagation: Detach offsets in spring

Special needs: The swollen base is used for storing water, so this is one plant which can cope quite well with occasional neglect.