Yucca guatemalensis
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| Yucca guatemalensis | ||||||||||||||
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| Yucca guatemalensis Baker |
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Yucca elephantipes Regel |
Yucca guatemalensis (syn Yucca elephantipes) , is the tallest of the Yucca species of the family Agavaceae. Common names for this species include spineless yucca, soft-tip yucca, blue-stem yucca and giant yucca. It is native to Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras.[1]
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[edit] Description
Although it can grow up to 9 metres in height, with a spread to 4.5 metres, it is usually less than 6 metres in height. It may have a thick, single trunk or be mulitrunked resulting from growth from the base.[2] The leaves are strap-like, spineless and up to 1.2 metres in length. White flowers are produced in the summer, followed by brown, fleshy fruits which are oval and up to 2.5 cm in length.[2]
[edit] Cultivation
The species can grown in a variety of soils and is drought-tolerant. Young plants are used as potted specimens, and may be used as an house plant. Yucca guatemalensis may be subject to a number of pests including scale, Yucca moth borers, and black weevils. Plants are subject to root rot if overwatered. Leaf spot may affect leaf appearance, but does not otherwise health of the plant. Propagation is by suckers, cuttings or seed.[2]
[edit] Cultivars
A number of cultivars have been released including:
- 'Artola Gold' [3]
- 'Jewel' [3]
- 'Puck' [4]
- 'Silver Star', a variegated form [3]
[edit] References
- ^ Taxon: Yucca guatemalensis Baker. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Area. Retrieved on 2008-02-06.
- ^ a b c Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson. Yucca elephantipes. United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Retrieved on 2008-02-06.
- ^ a b c Yuccas. ABC. Retrieved on 2008-02-06.
- ^ Yucca. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved on 2008-02-06.
