Beschorneria yuccoides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beschorneria yuccoides |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Beschorneria yuccoides subsp. yuccoides | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Beschorneria
|
| Species: |
yuccoides
|
Beschorneria yuccoides is a cool plant that looks a bit like a Yucca plant. It's a type of succulent plant, which means it can store water in its leaves. This plant belongs to the Asparagaceae family, which also includes asparagus! It's known for its tall, colorful flower stalks.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Meaning of Yuccoides
The name yuccoides helps us understand what this plant looks like. It combines the name of the Yucca plant with a Greek word, oides, which means "likeness" or "similar to". So, Beschorneria yuccoides basically means "Beschorneria that looks like a Yucca"!
Different Types: Subspecies of Beschorneria Yuccoides
Just like there can be different breeds of dogs, there can be slightly different types of plants within the same species. These are called subspecies. Beschorneria yuccoides has two main subspecies:
- Beschorneria yuccoides subsp. yuccoides
- Beschorneria yuccoides subsp. dekosteriana (K.Koch) Govaerts
What Does Beschorneria Yuccoides Look Like?
This plant doesn't have a main stem above ground. Instead, it grows 20 to 35 long, thin leaves. These leaves are tough and leathery. They are usually gray-green to green in color. Each leaf can be about 40 to 60 centimeters (16 to 24 inches) long. They are about 3.3 to 3.5 centimeters (1.3 to 1.4 inches) wide. The edges of the leaves have tiny, fine teeth.
Amazing Flower Stalks
One of the most exciting parts of this plant is its flower stalk, called an inflorescence. This stalk can grow very tall, reaching 100 to 180 centimeters (about 3 to 6 feet) high. Some can even grow up to 320 centimeters (over 10 feet)! The stem and the special leaves on the stalk, called bracts, are red. The actual flowers are about 40 to 50 millimeters (1.6 to 2 inches) long. After the flowers, the plant produces fruits that are shaped like long or round capsules. These fruits are 30 to 40 millimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) long and 15 to 25 millimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) wide.
Where Does Beschorneria Yuccoides Grow?
This plant naturally grows in Mexico. You can find it in the states of Hidalgo, Puebla, and Veracruz. It likes to grow in high places, usually between 2,700 and 3,000 meters (about 8,850 to 9,840 feet) above sea level.
How People Grow Beschorneria Yuccoides
People love to grow Beschorneria yuccoides in their gardens. It's a beautiful plant, but it doesn't like very cold weather. It grows best in warm places that are protected from strong winds. It prefers sunny spots, especially those facing south or west. The temperature shouldn't drop below -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit) for it to thrive outdoors. If it gets too cold, people might grow it in a greenhouse.
Growing in Ireland
Even in places like Howth, County Dublin, Ireland, this plant can grow outdoors. This is because Earlscliffe, where it grows, has a special microclimate. A microclimate is a small area with different weather conditions than the surrounding region. This allows the plant to survive even though Ireland is quite far north.
Award-Winning Plant
In the UK, Beschorneria yuccoides has received a special honor. The Royal Horticultural Society gave it the Award of Garden Merit. This award means it's a great plant for gardeners to grow because it's reliable and performs well.
See also
In Spanish: Lirio mexicano para niños
