Calibanus hookerii looks like a ball topped with attractive green-blue fescue grass-like leaves. This plant is often exposed in cultivation by caudiciform enthusiasts for its new and unique form.

This plant was first described by Sir William Hooker as Dasylirion hartwegianum (by mistake). Then by Lemaire in 1859, as Dasylirion hookeri. In 1911 Trelease moved it to the Calibanus genus. The genus is named for Shakespeare's monster, Caliban.  It contains only this species, and is closely related to the genus Nolina.

Description: Looks like a trunk-less Nolina, topped by perennial silver-blue leaves that expand from a woody base (caudex) that can grow to 5 meters in diameter, but the grass-like leaves will only get half a meter long.  The Calibanus hookeri is dioecious (there are male and female plants).

Cultivation: It can withstand temperatures of -15 Celcius degrees, but its exact hardiness is unknown.  Because of its extreme drought tolerance, it makes a great container plant for light shade to full sun, or is an excellent foliage accent in a dry garden in warm regions.  It needs moderate water when actively growing, little water the rest of the time, if established.

Propagation: Seeds;  it cannot be reproduced by cuttings of the caudex (or leaves).

Scientific Name: Calibanus hookeri (Lem.) Trelease 1911

Origin: North central Mexico (San Luis Potosi).

Habitat  and ecology: It grows in grit, where it receives quite copious water in the short growing-period. These plants are very drought tolerant, and have developed a caudex (water storage organ) at and below ground level, a common survival strategy in dry climates.

Synonyms:

• Nolina hookeri Rowley 1990,
• Dasylirion hookeri Lemaire 1859.
• Beaucarnea hookeri Baker 1872.
• Calibanus caespitosus Rose 1906.