New Mexico false yucca
Hesperaloe funifera
Family: Agavaceae
What it is like
Hesperaloe funifera is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 1.8
Where it is found
Rocky slopes and open plains in arid and semiarid regions at elevations of 500 - 1000, occasionally to 2100 metres.
Southern N. America - Texas and north-eastern Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The plant produces strong fibres that can be used in making cordage products. The fibres produce a paper with exceptional tensile and tear strength. Such fibres could be used either in speciality papers with high-strength requirements, such as currency papers, bible papers, tea bags, and filters, or they could be blended with other fibres to increase the strength and improve the texture of a variety of paper products, including writing papers, tissue and towel products, and papers manufactured using secondary (recycled) fibre.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
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.
Under Development: Plant breeders are actively working to domesticate these plants for cultivation, but they are not yet commercially available as crops. Examples include most of the perennial cereal grains.
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.
Under Development: Plant breeders are actively working to domesticate these plants for cultivation, but they are not yet commercially available as crops. Examples include most of the perennial cereal grains.
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
Requires a warm, sheltered sunny position in a well-drained soil. Plants do not like wet conditions, especially in the winter. Plants grow for several years before flowering but, unlike the related agaves and yuccas, the plants do not die after flowering.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water may reduce the germination time. It usually germinates within 1 - 12 months if kept at a temperature of 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and consider giving them some winter protection for at least their first winter outdoors - a simple pane of glass is usually sufficient.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist