Family: Asparagaceae
Species: Yucca gloriosa L.
Common name: Jucca, Giucca - English: Moundlily Yucca, Spanish Dagger - Deutsch: Kerzen-Palmlilie
Etymology
The genus name comes from the indigenous language of Haiti, where it was called “Yuccas Dolces” or “Yuccas Bravas”, and from the Spanish “yuca”, attested as early as 1500. The species name derives from the adjective gloriosus, meaning “glorious”, referring to the plant's superb bearing.
Description
Yucca gloriosa is a succulent herbaceous plant traditionally placed in the Agavaceae family (now often included in Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae) and comprises more than forty species. Native to the Americas and the West Indies, in nature, it can reach considerable heights—up to 15 meters.
It has a cylindrical, robust stem that is initially single; as the plant grows over the years, it tends to become bare at the base and almost always branches, sometimes adopting extravagant shapes. The leaves are greyish, turning dark green when fully mature. They are erect or reflexed, linear, and borne at the top of the stem. Of fibrous consistency, they are thick and leathery with a smooth, sharp edge and feature a small, terminal thorn. The leaves can reach up to 60 centimetres long and remain persistent even when dry.
The bell-shaped, white, scented flowers are arranged in a tall panicle inflorescence. The fruit is a capsule that ripens only in its area of origin.
Habitat
Native to North America.
Properties and Uses
Farmers in Central America have used Yucca gloriosa since time immemorial to produce alcohol and to make small handicrafts from the woody part of the trunk. Strips are obtained from the spongy pith to produce mats, baskets, hampers, etc. The roots yield saponin, which is used in fat processing to create a soap-like substance.
Notes and Curiosities
Yucca gloriosa begins to flower after about 5 years of vegetative growth. In Italy, this species has been attacked for some time by a fungal parasite, Cercospora concentric. This parasite produces spots on the leaves that disappear following chemical treatments in spring.
Yucca is an excellent ally against pollution as it can absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful substances produced by household appliances. In summer and autumn, outdoor plants older than 7–10 years produce showy inflorescences composed of white, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are edible—eaten raw in salads, fried in batter, or incorporated into other recipes—and have a flavour reminiscent of asparagus.
In the Heller Botanical Garden, Yucca gloriosa often grows as an under-storey for palm trees. It creates attractive, dark green spots that contrast with the bright green of ferns and begonias. It brightens the garden in summer with white, bell-shaped flowers borne on erect panicles with stems up to 3 metres high.