Sotol
Dasylirion serratifolium

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A spiky plant. It only has a short stem. The leaves are 1 m long and 2-4 cm wide. They are whitish.

Also put in the Dracaenaceae and Nolinaceae families.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry rocky places. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Egypt, Mexico, North Africa, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The stems are used for savoury preparations and alcoholic drinks. They are roasted and allowed to ferment. The leaves are trimmed off the head and the head is then roasted or boiled and the sweet pith eaten. The heads are baked for 24 hours. The leaves are used for savoury preparations. The flower shaft is eaten.

Edible parts

Stems, flower stalk, leaf bases, stems - drink

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cucharilla, Manitas

Synonyms

Dasylirion laxiflorum Baker; Yucca serratifolia Karw.; Roulinia serratifolia (Karw.) Brongn.;