Cabuya
Furcraea cabuya
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
Furcraea cabuya is an evergreen Perennial growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Birds, Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Tropical highlands
Northern S. America - Venezuela, north through Central America to Mexico.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A strong fibre is obtained from the leaves. It is used for cordage. The leaf fibres are very well suited for production of ropes, sacks, hammocks, saddle-bags etc. In the garden it is great for beds and borders, city gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or in decorative containers.
Agroforestry Services: Living fence: Simply managed rows of shrubs and trees.
Industrial Crop: Fiber: Clothing, rugs, sheets, blankets etc. Currently, almost none of our fiber are produced from perennial crops but could be!
Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Agroforestry Services: Living fence: Simply managed rows of shrubs and trees.
Industrial Crop: Fiber: Clothing, rugs, sheets, blankets etc. Currently, almost none of our fiber are produced from perennial crops but could be!
Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.
How it is grown
Optimal conditions for the growing of the fique plant are: Temperature: 19?C - 23?C, Altitude: 1,300 m - 1,900 m, Annual rainfall: 1,000?mm - 1,600?mm, Sunlight: 5?6 hours/day, Soil: dry, rich in silicates. The fique crops bring nitrogen to the soil, improving its fertility. The plant is very adaptable to different ecological conditions. A fique plant can produce 1 to 6?kg of fibers each year. Easily grown in rich, well-drained soils in filtered light. Needs protection from scorching sun, frost or wind. Irrigate little. Heat, humidity and drought tolerant. Deer resistant.
Propagating it: Seed
Best place to grow:
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 9-11
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Fourcroya tuberosa Aiton. Furcraea cabuya var. cabuya