Beaucarnea goldmanii

Native from Chiapas in southern Mexico to Honduras, this succulent tree grows in seasonally dry tropical vegetation. It has a greatly enlarged trunk base and narrow leaves gathered near the ends of its branches. The swollen base stores water through dry periods. Branched inflorescences carry numerous small flowers. Despite the palm-like appearance of the leaf tufts, Beaucarnea belongs to the asparagus family. Photographed in Florida.