Yucca filifera

Not to be confused with the invalidly published name Yucca filifera Engelm., a synonym of Yucca baccata
Yucca filifera
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperms
Class: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Yucca
Species: Y. filifera
Binomial name
Yucca filifera
Chabaud
Synonyms[1]
  • Yucca australis (Engelm.) Trel.
  • Yucca baccata var. filifera (Chabaud) Schelle
  • Yucca canaliculata var. filifera (Chabaud) Fenzl

Yucca filifera is a member of the Asparagaceae family subfamily Agavaceae native to central Mexico.

History

It was discovered in 1840 in northeastern Mexico between Saltillo and Parras (23°37′0″N 102°34′30″W / 23.61667°N 102.57500°W) on 19 May 1847 by merchant and explorer Josiah Gregg.[1] It was later introduced to Europe and described for science by J. Benjamin Chabaud (1833-1915) in 1876.[1]

Description

Yucca filifera as described by Chabaud, 1876

A tall, heavily branched yucca, Y. filifera has straight, ensiform leaves growing in rosette-shaped bunches from the end of each stem.[2] Its inflorescence hangs over and is made of many separate white flowers.[2]

Cultivation

Y. filifera can be cultivated in xerophytic conditions. It is used as roof covering and as a source of fibre for handcrafting by the indigenous people, who call it Palma China or Izote.[3]

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References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Yucca filifera Chabaud, Tropicos, Missouri Botanical Garden, 2013
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 R.J. Hodgkiss, The Yucca Page, 20 February 2012, accessed 25 March 2013
  3. ↑ Palma china, Izote, Palma corriente, Palma grande - Yucca filifera, InfoJardin, Jardineros Paisajismo Plantas, 2013, accessed 25 March 2013

See also