Sotol, Desert candle
Dasylirion leiophyllum
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A spiky desert plant that keeps growing from year to year. The plant has a crowded cluster of narrow leaves. These are 25-75 cm long and 10-12 mm wide at the base. There are spiny teeth along the edge. These curve backwards. The flowers are on an unbranched flower stalk. This grows 1.6-6.6 m tall. The flowers are in dense clusters on the upper third.
Also put in the family Nolinaceae and Liliaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Mexico, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The base of the plant is used to make an alcoholic drink called sotol. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.
Edible parts
Cabbage, base - drink