Sotol, Desert-spoon, Cactus-spoon, Spoonplant, Bear-grass, Wheeler sotol
Dasylirion wheeleri
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. The trunk is un-branched and 1.5-3 m tall. The leaves are blue-green and very spiny. The leaves are 1 m long. They radiate out in a circle. The flower spike is very tall. It can be 4.5 m tall. The flowers are very small and cream. The fruit are brown nuts.
Also put in the family Nolinaceae.
Where it is found
It grows in arid places. It can grow in average to poor, well-drained soil. It can grow in full or part sun. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. In Brisbane Botanical gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Mexico, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The head contains a sugary sap which is fermented. The drink is called sotol.
Edible parts
Heart, bud, young stalks, nuts