Description
A member of the camel family (Lama glama) native to the high altitude regions of western South America. Llamas have been domesticated and are raised for their fleece and milk as well as being used for transportation and carrying packs. Llama fleece contains thick coarse outer hairs along with downy, soft inner hairs. The fine hairs can be 12 inches (30 cm) in length. The fleece is sheared yearly. The guard hairs are used for ropes and rugs while the softer underfur is used for sweaters, blankets, hats, and clothing. Llama hair is not as highly valued as alpaca or vicuna hair.
Other similar species are: alpaca, vicuña, and guanaco. The juarizo is a crossbreed with a llama father and an alpaca mother. The opposite combination (llama mother and alpaca father) is called a paco.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Lama glama;; juarizo; paco; Lama (Deut., Fr., It., Ned., Pol., Sven.); llama (Esp.); lhama (Port.);
Other Properties
Fiber length = 30 cm (undercoat). Medulla is narrow and often pigmented. Cross section is circular to ovoid
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Last updated on: 12/3/2008 12:23:23 PM
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