Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
|---|
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rosette-forming succulent forming a round, fountain-like shape. |
|---|---|
| Trunk | Mature individuals have a trunk that grows up to 4.5 m tall. The trunk is covered by the leaf bases. |
| Foliage | Thick, 4-sided leaves are very narrow and long (up to 1.8 m long). The leaf is completely spineless, but the edge can be sharp. The crown of mature plants is composed of hundreds of leaves. |
| Flowers | The tall, spike-like inflorescence (up to 4.5 m tall) is composed of a large number of racemes which occur within the bracts. Bright red buds open to form white flowers. |
| Cultivation | This species is highly tolerant of drought and heat. It tolerates partial shade, but may become leggy. When the trunk is pruned of the older, lower leaves, the remaining leaf bases create an ornamental pattern. It is adapted to a hot, dry environment, but has some tolerance to moisture and humidity when planted in a very well-draining soil. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | The edge of the leaf blade is sharp and should be handled carefully. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Linear) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Inflorescence Type Remarks | A fascicle of racemes arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31943 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6345 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |