Calibanus hookeri (Mexican Boulder)


Michael's Opinion

This plant is named after Shakespeare's monster Caliban.

Botanical Information

FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusCalibanus
Specieshookeri
SynonymsCalibanus caespitosus
CategoryTropicals
OriginMexico (Hidalgo, Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosi).

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneCool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height0.5 - 0.7 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA medium-sized shrub.
ID CharacteristicVery long, grassy hairline leaves.
ShapeSolitary rounded.
LandscapeAs a potted indoor plant, as an accent plant or as ground cover in arid gardens.
PropagationBy seed.
Notable SpecimensNiagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Bark/Stem DescriptionWoody caudex.
Leaf DescriptionThin, grassy leaves that grow in groups of 5 - 12 or more.
Flower DescriptionPanicles of very tiny flowers about 10 - 20 cm long.
Colour DescriptionPale grassy green leaves that occasionally have brown spots as they age. Leaves grow from a woody brown caudex. The flowers are light purplish-pink.
Texture DescriptionRaspy leaves, medium texture.

Photographs