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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
slow-growing
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
arid, semi-humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
low
Salinity/ppm :
very high (6000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-18°C
SHAPE
Type
:
cacti, succulents
Height
:
2 m-6 m
Spread
:
1.5 m-4 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, pale
yellow, pale
purple
Size
:
30 cm
Period
:
July - September
Smell
:
scented,
moderate, flower
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
3 cm - 5 cm
Yucca aloifolia has the common names Spanish Bayonet or Spanish Dagger. Its area of distributi-
on lies in eastern Mexico, the southeastern USA and the West Indies, and its climatic zones range
from Mediterranean to subtropical. The Yucca is a shrub that belongs to the palms or succulents
and cacti. Yucca aloifolia grows between 2 and 6 metres high, with a spread of between 1.5 and 4
metres in width. It is slow-growing with an open crown. The evergreen lanceolate foliage is dark
green to light blue in colour, while the leaves themselves are scattered and entire. The bloom ap-
pears in summer as a 30 to 60-cm panicle with single flowers about 5 cm across. Their colour is
pale yellow, or white to pale purple. The fruits are conical capsules 3 cm in size, originally green
and turning black with ripeness. Propagation is best by sowing and pricking, and by cuttings.
Yucca aloifolia is heat- and drought-resistant. It has low irrigation requirements and withstands
high salinity. In Arriyadh, it can be found growing successfully in many locations. In landscape
design, it can be recommended for urban areas such as public open spaces, park planting, in pe-
destrian precincts and in private parks. In its use, it must be considered that the lanceolate leaves
have very sharp endings so it should be planted out of people’s reach. This Yucca will be effective
as a specimen, dominant or grouped plant. Even in rock or steppe gardens, appealing composi-
tions can be created. Yucca aloifolia ‘Jewel’ has a lighter foliage.
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Yucca aloifolia,
Agavaceae
Spanish Bayonet