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Yucca gloriosa
Plant species in the asparagus family From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Yucca gloriosa, also known as moundlily yucca or soft-tipped yucca, is a species of flowering plant in the asparagus family, native to the southeastern United States. Growing to 2.5 m (8 ft), it is an evergreen shrub. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental for its architectural qualities, and has reportedly become established in warmer climates in the wild in various parts of the world.
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Description
Yucca gloriosa is caulescent, usually with several stems arising from the base, the base thickening in adult specimens. The long narrow leaves are straight and very stiff, growing to 30–50 cm (12–20 in) long and 2–3.5 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄2 in) wide. They are dark green with entire margins, smooth, rarely finely denticulate, acuminate, with a sharp brown terminal spine. The inflorescence is a panicle up to 2.5 m (8 ft) long, of bell-shaped white flowers, sometimes tinged purple or red. The fruit is a leathery, elongate berry up to 8 cm (3 in) long.[5][6][7][8][9]
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Taxonomy
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Yucca gloriosa was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.[10] Genetic evidence has shown that the species originated via multiple hybridizations between Yucca aloifolia and Yucca filamentosa.[11] It is classified as part of the Yucca genus within the Asparagaceae family.[2]
The species has two accepted varieties:[2]
- Yucca gloriosa var. gloriosa
- Yucca gloriosa var. tristis Carrière
Yucca gloriosa has 85 synonyms of the species or one of its two varieties including 28 species.[2][3][4]
Names
The species is known by the common names moundlily yucca and soft-tipped yucca.[12] It is additionally known as Roman candle, candle yucca, palm lily, and Spanish needle;[13] however the first of these is also occasionally applied to Senna alata.[14]
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Habitat
Yucca gloriosa grows on exposed sand dunes along the coast and barrier islands of the lower East Coast of the United States, often together with Yucca aloifolia and a variety formerly called Yucca recurvifolia or Y. gloriosa var. recurvifolia, now Y. gloriosa var. tristis. Large, endemic populations can be found in the beach and dune environments of coastal North Carolina.[15] In contrast to Y. gloriosa var. tristis, the leaves of Y. gloriosa var. gloriosa are hard stiff, erect and narrower. On the other hand, Y. aloifolia has leaves with denticulate margins and a sharp-pointed, terminal spine.
Distribution
Yucca gloriosa is native to the coast and barrier islands of southeastern North America, growing on sand dunes. It ranges from extreme southeastern Virginia south to northern Florida in the United States. It is associated with Yucca filamentosa, Yucca aloifolia, and Opuntia species.
Cultivation
The plant is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical climates, and valued as an architectural focal point. It has reportedly escaped from cultivation and naturalised in Italy, Turkey, Mauritius, Réunion, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.[16] In landscape use, little maintenance is needed other than the removal of dead leaves when the shrub nears its ultimate height. The plant is very hardy, without leaf damage at −20 °C (−4 °F), and can handle brief snow and freezing temperatures, as well as long periods of drought.[17]
Yucca gloriosa,[18] and the cultivars 'Variegata'[19] and Bright Star = 'Walbristar'[20] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[21]
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Properties
Yucca gloriosa has been known to cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions upon contact. The leaf points are even sharp enough to break the skin.[22]
References
External links
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