Yucca lacandonica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tropical yuccaYuca epífita |
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Yucca lacandonica, also known as the tropical yucca, is a special kind of plant from the yucca family. It is found in Belize and in southern Mexico, including states like Chiapas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatán.
What makes this yucca unique is that it's the only one in its family that usually grows as an epiphyte. This means it grows on other plants, like trees, instead of in the ground. Sometimes, though, it can also grow directly in the soil.
About the Tropical Yucca
The tropical yucca often grows high up in tree branches, usually about 20 to 25 meters (65 to 82 feet) above the ground. It has a trunk that can be up to 3 meters (10 feet) long. The base of its trunk can be about 25 centimeters (10 inches) wide. The trunk often grows sideways a bit.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the Yucca lacandonica are long and narrow, shaped like a spear. They get thinner at both ends. Each leaf can grow up to 85 centimeters (33 inches) long and about 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide at its widest part.
Its beautiful flowers are white and can be up to 7 centimeters (3 inches) across. They have creamy white stamens (the parts that make pollen) and pistils (the parts that receive pollen). The flower petals, called tepals, narrow down to a sharp point at their tips.
Fruits of the Plant
After the flowers bloom, the tropical yucca produces juicy, long fruits. These fruits can grow up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long.
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