- Yucca gloriosa
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Spanish Dagger 
Long-trunked Spanish Dagger Scientific classification 
Kingdom: Plantae clade: Angiosperms clade: Monocots Order: Asparagales Family: Asparagaceae Subfamily: Agavoideae Genus: Yucca Species: Y. gloriosa Binomial name Yucca gloriosa
L.Yucca gloriosa is an evergreen shrub of the genus Yucca. Common names include Spanish Dagger, Moundlily Yucca, Soft-tipped Yucca, Spanish Bayonet or Sea Islands Yucca.
Contents
Description
Caulescent, 0.5-2.5 m tall, usually with several stems from the base, base thickened in adult specimens, branched above, rhizomatous, leaves straight, very stiff, 0.3-0.5 m long, 2-3.5 cm wide, dark green, light grey-green, margins entire, smooth, rarely fine denticulate, acuminate, with a sharp, brown, terminal spine, underside smooth. Inflorescence paniculate, 0.6-1.5 m tall, partially inferior to the leaves, flowers campanulate to elongate, numerous, pendulous, white, sometimes tinged purple or red, 3.5 cm long, fruits green, when ripe brownish, indehiscent, 5–8 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, obovate, seeds black, thickened. Yucca gloriosa grows on sand dunes along the coast and barrier islands of the southeastern USA, often together with Yucca aloifolia and Yucca recurvifolia. In contrast to Y. recurvifolia, the leaves of Y. gloriosa are hard stiff, erect and narrower. On the other hand, Y. aloifolia has leaves with denticulate margins and a sharp-pointed, terminal spine. The flowering period is the end of summer and autumn whereas Y. recurvifolia blooms in spring.
In collections in Europe and overseas, there are many forms and hybrids (Sprenger, Förster) from the 18th and 19th centuries. The following names have been used for material of uncertain origin in the European garden flora.
- Yucca gloriosa var. minor Carr.
- Yucca gloriosa var. obliqua Baker
- Yucca gloriosa f. obliqua (Harworth)Voss
- Yucca gloriosa f. acuminata (Sweet)Voss
- Yucca gloriosa f. pruinosa (Baker)Voss
- Yucca gloriosa f. tortulata (Baker)Voss
- Yucca gloriosa' var. medio-striata Planchon
- Yucca gloriosa var. robusta Carr.
- Yucca gloriosa var. nobilis Carr.
- Yucca gloriosa f. planifolia Engelmann
- Yucca gloriosa var. plicata Engelmann
- Yucca gloriosa var. genuina Engelmann
- Yucca gloriosa var. flexilis Trelease
- Yucca gloriosa var. plicata Carr.
- Yucca gloriosa var. superba Baker
- Yucca gloriosa var. longifolia Carr.
- Yucca gloriosa var. muculata Carr.
- Yucca pendula Sieber ex Carr.
- Yucca pattens Andre
- Yucca pruinosa Baker
The plant is known to grow to heights above 5 m (16 feet).[1]
Distribution
Yucca gloriosa is native to the coast and barrier islands of southeastern North America, growing on sand dunes. It ranges from southern North Carolina south to northern Florida. It is associated with Yucca filamentosa, Yucca aloifolia, and Opuntia species.
Cultivation
The plant is known to thrive as a domestic plant [2] and is sold internationally. In a domestic environment, the plant has average water requirements, and little maintenance is needed other than the removal of dead leaves when the shrub nears its ultimate height.[3] The plant is very hardy, no leaf damage at −20 degree Celsius (−5 °F), also it is very robust and can handle a lot of snow and prolonged freeze.
Properties
The Spanish Dagger has been known to cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions upon contact. The leaf points are even sharp enough to break the skin.[4]
References
- ^ "bss.sfsu.edu". http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Spring%2005%20projects/Yucca/spanishdagger1.htm. Retrieved 1 March 2007.
- ^ John George Wood (2006). Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
- ^ "cals.arizona.edu". http://cals.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Yucca_gloriosa.html. Retrieved 1 March 2007.
- ^ "hgic.clemson.edu". http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1077.htm. Retrieved 1 March 2007.
External links
Categories:- Yucca
- Garden plants of North America
- Shrubs
- Flora of Georgia (U.S. state)
- Flora of South Carolina
- Flora of Florida
- Flora of Alabama
- Flora of Louisiana
- Flora of Mississippi
- Flora of North Carolina
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