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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
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 :
high (4500 ppm)
Hardiness
:
-25°C
SHAPE
Type
:
cacti, succulents
Height
:
2 m-3 m
Spread
:
2 m-4 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, pale
yellow, pale
purple
Size
:
60 cm
Period
:
April - June
Smell
:
scented,
moderate, flower
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
5 cm
Toxicity
:
inedible, fruit
Yucca gloriosa is also called Palm Lily, Roman Candle or Spanish Dagger. It is a lignified peren-
nial with shrub characteristics. It is also a succulent and cacti type, similar to other Yuccas. Its
climatic zones range from Mediterranean to subtropical. This Yucca is native to the southeastern
USA, and has a normal to slow growth rate. The leaves are often ground-based and whorled, but
the plant will develop stems too. It reaches a height of between 2 and 3 metres. The evergreen
foliage is lanceolate and pale green in colour. The flowers appear in spring, borne on 60- to 90-
cm panicles, and are white, pale yellow or pale purple. Cylindrical capsule fruits then develop,
initially green and turning black as they ripen. The Yucca is propagated by sowing and pricking,
and by cuttings. The root system is fleshy and extensive. The Yucca has no special requirements
when it comes to site conditions. It can withstand high salinity, but not stagnant water. This is the
hardiest Yucca, surviving frost down to –25°C. In landscape design, it can be used as a dominant
plant in groups or as massed planting, and will also look attractive in rock and steppe gardens.
Yucca gloriosa is suitable for planting in urban areas, public open spaces, as park planting, in
pedestrian precincts, in containers and in private gardens. In Arriyadh, Yuccas can be found
growing in a wide range of locations, for example in King Fahd Road. They are very suitable for
harsh urban conditions.
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Yucca gloriosa,
Agavaceae
Palm Lily,
Roman Candle, Spanish Dagger