Yucca

Native American tray
MFA# 16.129

Description

Plaited yucca sandal
MFA# 01.7257

A lily type plant of the genus Yucca belonging to the Agave family. It is native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico. Fibers, like Sisal, obtained from the sword-shaped leaves are used for brushes, cordage, and Burlap fabrics. They are similar to palm-leaf fibers. A Saponin is generated as a byproduct in the processing of the yucca fibers.

Synonyms and Related Terms

palma istle; yucca (Deut., Fr., It., Lat.)

Physical and Chemical Properties

plant height = up to 1.5 m

Additional Images

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  Yucca Yucca filamentosa)

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  Yucca plant (Yucca spp.)

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 692, 882

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Yucca." Accessed 15 May 2004.

• Website: www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/main.htm (accessed Oct. 3, 2005)

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca (Accessed Sept. 28, 2005)