Dasylirion texanum flowers sporadically in one of the retaining walls near the top of the garden. This year (2013) we had three two-metre flower spikes from this plant for the first time. Another plant growing on the the 45º slab slope at the rear of the house has 3-metre flower spikes but they are somewhat less impressive. Dasylirion are dioecious and therefore two plants of different sexes must flower simultaneously if there is to be the chance of seeds being set. Dasylirion, like the agaves, is native to the Central American deserts and requires much heat and light in order to grow acceptably. What it perhaps lacks in beauty it makes up for with its strange individuality. Although its foliage bears a superficial resemblance to bromeliad foliage it is a relative of the agaves and yuccas.
© Maciej Pomian-Srzednicki, 2013
26/10/2013
Telephone 01803 201813

Dasylirion texanum

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