Calibanus hookeri

sacamecate
Tough blue-grey grassy element in the garden. Prized for its corky caudex the can be raised for effect when potted. Trim tips of ‘hair’ annually to keep tidy.
Calibanus hookeri
synonyms Beaucarnea hookeri
height 12–24in
width 10–18in
tolerates Coast, Cold, Cool Summers, Drought, Deer , Heat, Pots, Rooftops, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 If used as a grassy element in the garden, keeping the caudex (swollen plant base) beneath the soil, this plant is very drought tolerant (compared to other grasses). However, if grown as a display plant, by elevating the caudex, this plant will want more consistent watering than other caudiciforms. In this case it should be watered before fully dried out. For this reason this plant will need very frequent waterings (once or twice a week) if grown in a shallow dish (as often seen by caudiciform collectors).

While this plant likes good drainage, it doesn’t need as sharp of drainage as other fussy caudiciforms - standard cactus mix is idea.
hardy
to		 15F
exposure Part Sun – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin C Mexico
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 13–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Caudiciforms have a reputation as touchy plants, but not this one! Very easy and forgiving. As such it’s one of the best caudiciforms for Northern California.
The caudex of this plant only increases noticeably in size if it is left submerged below the soil level, where its volume increases steadily. As such, it’‘s best to wait until it has reached the desired end size before elevating for display. Once elevated the caudex will slowly develop the characteristic (and prized) corky bark.
Beyond tip pruning leaves to keep it looking fresh, older dead leaves can be pulled out once a year. They will come out easily once they are totally dead, but be careful as the leaves of sacamecate will give a paper cut if they slip through your fingers.
Responds well to fertilizer and should be fertilized like any typical garden plant.

Special Interest

Colors of this plant vary, with green leafed plants being seen less often.

Sacamecate can hybridize with Beaucarnea recurvata, as discovered by Lotus Land in Santa Barbara, Ca. The resulting form is intermediate, with the stoutness of a Sacamecate, but the branched form of a Beaucarnea.

The leaves of this plant have are used in the Mexican highlands to scour pots, as they are tough, abrasive and also contain a soapy compound.