Banana yucca (Yucca baccata, W.H.Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 221 (1858))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: Torr.

Bibliography: W.H.Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 221 (1858)

Year: 1858

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Yucca

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Nevada to N. Mexico

Description

The Banana yucca, scientifically known as Yucca baccata, is a captivating plant species recognized for its unique characteristics and geographical distribution. This resilient and adaptable plant is indigenous to a broad range of areas from Southeastern Nevada to Northern Mexico, showcasing its remarkable ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions.

Belonging to the Asparagaceae family, the Banana yucca is notable for its robust growth and striking appearance. The plant typically features thick, dagger-like leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern. These leaves serve multiple functions, such as conserving water in arid climates and providing protection against herbivores due to their sharp edges.

One of the most distinctive traits of the Banana yucca is its fruit, which resembles a banana in both shape and texture. This unique aspect not only lends the plant its common name but also makes it easily distinguishable from other yucca species. Historically, the fruit has been an important source of sustenance for indigenous peoples, who utilized it for both nutritional and medicinal purposes.

The scientific community has long been fascinated by Yucca baccata, with its formal identification and description dating back to 1858, as detailed in W.H. Emory’s report on the United States and Mexican boundary survey. Authored by Torr., this description provided a foundational understanding of the species and highlighted its botanical uniqueness within its native habitat.

In ecological terms, the Banana yucca plays a crucial role in its environment. It contributes to the stability of desert ecosystems by preventing soil erosion with its extensive root system, and it serves as a source of food and shelter for various wildlife species. Additionally, its flowers are known to support pollinators, including the yucca moth, which engages in a mutualistic relationship with the plant, ensuring its reproduction.

Overall, the Banana yucca stands as a remarkable example of nature’s ingenuity, demonstrating how plants can adapt to and flourish in some of the most challenging environments. Its historical significance, coupled with its ecological importance, underscores the need for continued study and conservation of this extraordinary species.

Common Names

Spa: izote de dátil
Eng: banana yucca
Swe: kålpalmlilja
En: Banana yucca
Ar: يكة توتية
Zh: 蕉絲蘭果
Hu: Bogyós pálmaliliom
Nv: Tsáʼásziʼ bideeʼí
Fa: یوکای موزی
Es: Izote de dátil
Sv: Kålpalmlilja

Synonyms

• Sarcoyucca baccata ((Torr.) Linding.)
• Yucca baccata f. genuina (Engelm.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Mason Begay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2022 by Bella J Posey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 17, 2013 by EOL − K Schneider (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 3, 2019 by tara tara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Jillian Gane (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 26, 2012 by EOL − BJ Stacey (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 17, 2013 by EOL − K Schneider (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 15, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 16, 2016 by EOL − Rupali (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 19, 2014 by EOL − Patrick Kleeman (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken May 22, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 22, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 22, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2004 by EOL − Robert Sivinski (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Quinn Anderson (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 22, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 22, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 22, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Elizabeth Srejic (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2775788)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:270284-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Yucca baccata Torr.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb, Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 7.0