Yucca guatemalensis

Taxobox
name = "Yucca guatemalensis"


image_width = 240px
image_caption =
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Asparagales
familia = Agavaceae
genus = "Yucca"
species = "Y. guatemalensis"
binomial = "Yucca guatemalensis"
binomial_authority = Baker
synonyms="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.cite web | url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?411390 | title=Taxon: "Yucca guatemalensis" Baker | accessdate=2008-02-06 | work=Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Area]

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.cite web|author=Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson|url=http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/YUCELEA.pdf|title="Yucca elephantipes"|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service|accessdate=2008-02-06] 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.

Cultivation

The species can be 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.

Cultivars

A number of cultivars have been released including:
* 'Artola Gold' cite web|title=Yuccas|url=http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s4245.htm|publisher=ABC|accessdate=2008-02-06]
*'Jewel'
*'Puck' cite web|title=Yucca|url=http://www.rhs.org.uk/rhsplantfinder/plantfinder2.asp?crit=yucca&Genus=Yucca|publisher=Royal Horticultural Society|accessdate=2008-02-06]
* 'Silver Star', a variegated form

References