Identification Help: Please help

Robinc · #1 October 3rd, 2006, 06:24 AM

I was given an indoor tree. It has a large coconut type thing that the trunk is growing out of. It has long thin leaves growing from the top of the tree. I would say its almost like some sort of palm tree but I have no idea. I have been searching the web and cant find anything. I would like to know what it is and how to take care of it. Thank you. Robin

**Rima** · #2 October 3rd, 2006, 06:47 AM

Any pix? I can think of a couple of things that come close to what you're describing, but it's really hard to guess with nothing to look at. A 'large coconut thing' covers more territory than you'd imagine! An easy guess might be Beaucarna recurvata (Ponytail palm - not actually a palm, BTW), which is usually planted with soil going halfway up the caudex (the name for the coco...). They like to get pretty dry between waterings, like a lot of sun and can't stay outside in winter. Other than that, a picture would help.

Robinc · #3 October 3rd, 2006, 06:51 AM

Thanks for the info. I am going to google the name you gave me and see if that may be the one you are describing. Yes, the soil is going half way up the coconut thing. so Ill let you know. If not Ill try and post a pic. Thank you. Robin

Robinc · #4 October 3rd, 2006, 06:54 AM

Thats it! Wow that was fast! Thank you so much.

Robinc · #5 October 3rd, 2006, 06:55 AM

By the way is there a name for the plant in laymens terms! I dont even think I could pronounce that!

**Weekend Gardener** · #6 October 3rd, 2006, 10:30 AM

Pony Tail Palm - but it is not a palm.

Robinc · #7 October 3rd, 2006, 11:14 AM

Thank you!