The single palm-like stem produces terminal tufts of strap-shaped, recurved leathery leaves, sometimes hair lock-shaped in the ends, and with occasional panicles of small white flowers once the plant reaches over 10 years of age.

The almost spherical caudex in the youth stage later becomes 4 to 6 meters long[citation needed] and reaches a diameter of up to 50 centimeters and more at the base.

Its habitat is low deciduous forest, with average temperatures of 20 °C and an annual rainfall of 800 mm, and a well-marked dry season of between 7 and 8 months.

Slow-growing and drought-tolerant, Beaucarnea recurvata is hardy to 10 °C (50 °F), grows in full sun to light shade, and requires proper soil mix to drain when watered.

[9] The species of the genus Beaucarnea are mostly in critical condition due to various anthropogenic activities, which has led to severe fragmentation and destruction of their habitat.

[10] This exploitation process exposes this species, in a state of threat or extinction, by reducing the minimum viable size of the populations, as well as the deterioration of their genetic diversity.