What's the name of this "tree plant"...

by Nick
(Natick, MA, USA)

Mystery Tree Plant 1

Mystery Tree Plant 1

What is the name of this plant?

Somebody gave this to me as a gift when I lived in Santa Monica, CA.
When I drove cross-country back to Massachusetts, I gave her back the plant; I didn't want to kill the plant driving across the USA. She didn't know the name of the plant or remember where she got it.

I want to get this for a house plant as I did in California.

1. What is the name of this plant?
2. Where can I get one?
3. Are there any care instructions that you can give me?

Thanks!

Nick
Natick, MA
5-20-2020

Comments for What's the name of this "tree plant"...

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May 20, 2020
 Pony Tail
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

This is a Pony Tail Palm, or known botanically as Beaucarnea recurvata. They are also referred to as Elephants Foot Palm, when they get older and the 'foot' wrinkles up and gets extremely big and fissured.

More pictures on this image search.

More here on caring for Pony Tail Palm with some funny stories about them and how to grow them outdoors here.

As for where you can get one, they are not uncommon as they're so tough (apart from getting predated by cats) so you should be able to find them at places that grow houseplants for sale. Or go online - one good place to check would be Daves Garden Website.

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