Yucca Plant

The Yucca (pronounced as YUHK-UH) is a plant within the agave family that has been often described as a bush-like palm tree. This is because the leaves of the yucca plant are usually pointed, narrow and stiff, and have typical saw-like edges. These leaves grow along the stem of the plant. Sometimes the leaves appear in clusters at the end of the stem. The Yucca plant is an evergreen shrub and it does not shed its leaves every year. Some plants of this species have short stems and others have tall woody scaly trunks.

The blooms of the yucca plant are quite attractive. They are bell shaped and the color varies from white, cream to whitish green. A stem springs up from the center of the leaf-cluster and the flowers grow in clusters on the stem. These flowers also give off a strong fragrance when the flower opens at night. The female yucca moth moves from one plant to another carrying the pollen and thus fertilizing the plant. After fertilization, the yucca plant bears fruits that may be fleshy or dry. The fruits often contain numerous flat, black seeds.

Native Americans in the Southwest considered the yucca plants to be very important. This is because these plants served an important function: they provided food, soap, fiber, and also were used in many ceremonial functions. The root of the plant has certain soap and shampoo qualities. When yucca is pounded in water, it produces copious suds. The fiber-producing quality of the yucca caused the plant to be used even in building construction. When the soaked leaves are pounded with flat rocks, the leaves become a mass of pulpy material. When the softened pulp is washed away, the fibers are left behind and these fibers are unusually tough. These can then be twisted together into ropes. Using these ropes and threads sandals, ropes, mats, nets, clothing, hairbrushes and baskets were made. This shows the indispensability of the yucca plant in the lifestyle of the past. Additionally, parts of the yucca plant like the blossoms, seeds and the flower stalks were excellent sources of food. The banana yucca provided fruits that were eaten raw, baked, boiled or dried. Pulp from the sun-dried fruits was added into cakes or stored fro winter use. They are an excellent source of carbohydrates.

Yucca plants grow luxuriantly in the southern and southwestern parts of United States. It also grows well in the desert highlands and plateaus of Mexico. Of the 15 or so species of yuccas that can be found in the US, most are low plants or shrubs. Very rarely, some varieties grow big and almost reach the proportions of a picturesque tree. The Joshua tree is one such tree. Early Mormon settlers called this tree the 'Joshua Tree' because the plant seemed to lift their arms like the Joshua in the Bible, towards heaven. This huge tree reaches 30-40 feet in height and may spread out to 20 feet. They branch very abundantly and it is difficult to predict the age of a tree. The Joshua tree is the home to many animals and plants. The fallen branches and trunks become food for termites after they decay.

If the Yucca plant is grown at home, late spring is the best time to plant them. Some species take a little time to develop and grow roots. Adding a good fertilizer hastens the growth of the plant. Wet warm winters cause fungal infections in the yucca plant. Potted yuccas do not get as big as the wild ones, but the dwarfish look is also attractive in its own way.

Yucca plant in park

Yucca plant flower
Picture by Stan Shebs

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