Beaucarnea stricta

Beaucarnea stricta is a tree in the family Asparagaceae, native to Mexico. The specific epithet stricta means "straight, thin", referring to the leaves.^[1]

Beaucarnea stricta
At Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Asparagaceae
Subfamily:	Convallarioideae
Genus:	Beaucarnea
Species:	B. stricta
Binomial name
Beaucarnea stricta (K.Koch & Fintelm.) Lem.[2]
Synonyms[2]
Beaucarnea glauca (K.Koch & Fintelm.) Hereman Dasylirion laxiflorum Baker Dasylirion strictum (K.Koch & Fintelm.) J.F.Macbr. Nolina glauca (K.Koch & Fintelm.) Mottet Nolina stricta (K.Koch & Fintelm.) Mottet Pincenectia glauca K.Koch & Fintelm. Pincenectia stricta K.Koch & Fintelm.

Description

Beaucarnea stricta grows up to 10 metres (30 ft) tall. The stem widens to a large, circular base. The leaves are long, straight and thin.^[1]

Distribution and habitat

Beaucarnea stricta is endemic to Mexico, where it is confined to Oaxaca. Its habitat is in dry forests and shrublands, at altitudes of 800–2,000 m (2,600–6,600 ft).^[1]

Conservation

Beaucarnea stricta has been assessed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by conversion of its habitat for agriculture. It is also threatened by illegal harvesting for the ornamental plant trade. The species' range includes the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve.^[1]