Calibanus hookeri is a slow-growing perennial native to northeastern Mexico, where it occurs in arid, rocky habitats with well-drained soils and full sun exposure. The species is known for its swollen, woody caudex that stores water, allowing it to tolerate extended dry periods. The narrow, grassy leaves emerge from the top of the caudex and can reach up to 1 metre in length. This species is the only recognised member of the genus Calibanus, and it belongs to the Asparagaceae family, subfamily Nolinoideae. Despite its resemblance to some bulbous or succulent plants, it is taxonomically distinct.
Distinctive features:
Swollen, dome-shaped caudex that may reach over 30 cm in diameter
Dense rosettes of linear, grass-like foliage arising from the top of the caudex
Inflorescences develop from mature plants and bear small, greenish flowers on branched panicles
Dioecious species, meaning male and female flowers are on separate plants
Natural growth is slow and long-lived, often forming a rugged, aged appearance over time
Care Tips:
Light: Requires high light; full sun preferred
Water: Water sparingly; allow substrate to dry fully between waterings
Humidity: Tolerates dry air; does not require additional humidity
Media: Use a gritty, well-drained mix such as cactus or succulent soil with added perlite or pumice
Temperature: Best grown above 10 °C; protect from frost
Fertiliser: Apply a diluted low-nitrogen fertiliser during the active growing season (spring to summer)
Repotting: Rarely needed; only when the caudex outgrows the pot, typically every few years
Shipping Schedule and Biosecurity Information
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Dispatch & Shipping Information
ALL STATES (including WA, NT, TAS): We now offer a universal, streamlined schedule with two dispatches per week for all regions. This schedule includes all necessary biosecurity treatment and processing for plants sent interstate.
Tuesday Dispatch: Orders placed by Sunday 11:59 PM AEST.
Friday Dispatch: Orders placed by Wednesday 11:59 PM AEST.
Orders placed after these cut-offs will be dispatched on the next available day.
Plant Health Certification (PHC) Fees:
$20 fee applies to WA orders.
$10 fee applies to NT and TAS orders.
This fee is per order (not per plant) and is included in your shipping cost at checkout. It covers the mandatory biosecurity treatments (ICA-29, PS-27, ICA-62) required for interstate compliance.
Important Note: We operate independently from Collectors Corner. For any enquiries, please refer to our Help Centre (Contact Page).
