Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is unique in several ways. The name can be misleading; it is neither a plam nor does it have ponytails! The base, as it matures, swells, making it appear to be a Palm. Someone thought the long hanging-down leaves resembled ponytails. Ok? Ok. This one is in Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida. I had never seen it bloom before. The flower stalk looks like a feather plume atop one’s hat. As this is a year I’m in Florida much earlier than usual, I’ve been able to see new kinds of blooms which have invigorated my walking adventures. Copyright 2024 Pamela BreitbergThe most interesting part of this flowering Ponytail Palm is that one must wait thirty years for a new plant to flower! But, after the first summer of flowers it will continue to flower every year! I suppose the lesson is to look for mature plants when adding it to one’s garden. The image here shows the spike after flowering; what is shown are the seed capules. Now I need to be here a littler earlier in the year to see its flowers. After blooming, the spike will dry up and wither. Read more here. Copyright 2024 Pamela Breitberg
