Pacpa, Fique
Furcraea andina

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

Furcraea andina is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 2.5

Where it is found

Tropical highlands. All climates, from coastal plains to elevations above 3,000 metres.

Native to Andean regions of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. From here it was extended to Venezuela and the east coast of Brazil.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, South America

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Edible Portion: Bud, Leaves - alcoholic drink. The young buds are edible. They are pickled. The leaves are used to make a fermented drink.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves have been used in topic preparations for treatment of boils. The extract of leaves is used against horse lice.

Other

Rating: 4

Packing (sacks and packages for agriculture). Ropes, Tapestry (rugs and tapestry). The fibres can be stained with different organic materials, such as avocado seed, achiote and eucalyptus cortex. Handcrafts, purses, bags, handbags, mattresses, curtains, shoes, umbrellas, baskets and many other products. Subproducts: Pulp for organic fertilizer and paper. Leaves juice used for soap, fungicides, alcoholic beverages (homemade tapetusa), organic fuel and animal food. Floral stem used in the construction of houses and ladders. Carbon Farming Solutions - Industrial Crop: fiber. Good leaf lamina fibres that need to be seperated from the rest of the plant. Lamina fibres cannot be used for fine textiles but for rope, nets, bags, and rugs. (Industrial crops are grown for non-food uses. Industrial crops provide resources in three main categories: materials, chemicals, and energy. Traditional materials include lumber and thatch, paper and cardboard, and textiles). Agroforestry Services: living fence (Agroforestry is a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland).

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.

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

Climate: tropical highlands. Humidity: semi-arid to humid. A xerophytic monocot. A perennial succulent with basal rosettes of sword-shaped, fleshy, toothed leaves. Frost tender, min. 6C, 43F). Requires a sunny position and well-drained soil. Tolerant to arid conditions and soils poor in nutrients, but it requires semi-humid conditions, warm temperature and exposure to sunlight for good development. Prefered pH 5.1–5.4. Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: regional crop. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).

Propagating it: Seeds. Bulblets, Cuttings. Best method by bulbils found on lower stems.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Spines or sharp edges.

Its other names

Local names

Cabui, Cabuya, Chuchao, Coquiza, Maguey, Penca, Penco, Pita, Fique

Synonyms

Furcraea delevantii Riviere