The species is native to Mexico. Widely popular as ornamental plant, it’s a distinctiveness are characterized by its succulent-like trunk and long, arching leaves.

It is a slow-growing plant, and its growth habit is often described as "caudiciform," meaning it forms a swollen stem or caudex. This caudex gradually expands over time as the plant stores water. Stem is erect, bulbous at base resembling elephant foot. Trunk stores water which helps in survival of plant. Leaves long, slender, leathery, waxy and emerge from top of the stem.