Beaucarnea is a genus of flowering plants, placed in the Asparagaceae family, that are native to Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Beaucarnea is sometimes treated as a synonym of the genus Nolina, with the four species being then transferred to that genus. Species include Beaucarnea gracilis, Beaucarnea guatemalensis, Beaucarnea pliabilis, Beaucarnea recurvata and Beaucarnea stricta. Beaucarneas are closely related to Yuccas and thrive under the same conditions.

Beaucarnea guatemalensis is synonymously known as Nolina guatemalensis and commonly known as Red Ponytail. It is a relatively fast growing, tree-forming caudiciform plant native to Guatemala and Nicaragua. The Red Ponytail has a smooth, branching trunk that forms a large, swollen, bottle-shaped base, which increases its size as the plant matures. Over the long term, Beaucarnea guatemalensis caudex can eventually reach as much as 1.2 to 1.5 meter in diameter and up to 9 meter tall! Newly emergent leaves have a purple or magenta glow, an attractively distinct feature of this plant. Beaucarnea guatemalensis recurved shiny grass-like leaves form a robust crown at the tops of branches and its main trunk. Compared with the common Beaucarnea recurvata, Beaucarnea guatemalensis features narrower, longer, shinier more recurved leaves with a distinct red-purple blush. They are best grown in pots and also do well in rockeries. Beaucarnea guatemalensis is an easy plant to grow outdoors in tropical and warm temperate climates, and an attractive indoor caudiciform or bonsai. Plant Beaucarnea guatemalensis with good drainage in rich soil, protect it from hard frosts, and give it more water in the warm seasons.