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Yucca rostrata Engelm. ex Trel.
| Family Name: | Asparagaceae |
| Common Name: | Beaked Yucca, Silver Yucca, Big Bend Yucca |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 1.8 m to 4.6 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 1.8 m to 2.4 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southern USA, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Large, tree-like succulent with a single stem and a single head of leaves, but sometimes multiple heads. It grows up to 4.6 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Crown | The crown is approximately hemispherical. |
| Foliage | Narrow, linear leaves (0.4-0.6 m long, 1.3 cm wide) are pale bluish green to bluish gray. The leaf margin is smooth, toothless, and often lined by a thin, yellowish stripe. Dead leaves are retained, drooping down to form a grass skirt-like covering over the trunk. |
| Flowers | Bright white flowers are arranged in a branched cluster known as a panicle (0.6 m long). The inflorescence stalk holds the flowers above the canopy. |
| Fruit | The fruits are beaked. |
| Similar | This species is similar to Yucca rigida, but its leaves are more narrow, flexible and numerous than those of Y. rigida. The inflorescence of Y. rostrata is held above the canopy while that of Y. rigida occurs partly within the canopy. |
| Cultivation | This species prefers full sun, but can tolerate light shade. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and generally does not require supplementary water except under extremely hot and dry conditions. |
| Etymology | The common name 'Beaked Yucca' refers to the beaked fruits. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Focal Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Alkaline high pH Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | Slow |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green - Bluish Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Truncate / Square |
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) Remarks | Bluish Gray |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Inflorescence Type | Panicle |
References
| References | Irish, M. & Irish, G.. 2000. Agaves, Yuccas, and Related Plants. USA: Timber Press, Inc.. 312 |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31845 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6245 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
