Dasylirion leiophyllum
| Dasylirion leiophyllum | ||||||||||||
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Dasylirion leiophyllum |
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Dasylirion leiophyllum | ||||||||||||
| Engelm. ex Trel. |
Dasylirion leiophyllum is a species of the genus Dasylirion in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). An English common name is "Smooth Sotol, Desert Candle".
description
Dasylirion leiophyllum forms a woody trunk 30 to 100 cm in height. The variable, stiff, green, smooth, toothed leaves are 90 to 110 cm long and 15 to 25 mm wide. The irregularly arranged, 2 to 3 mm long radial spines are directed downwards.
The panicle inflorescence becomes 2 to 4 m high. The numerous flowers are green to tan in color. The flowering period extends from June to July.
The egg-shaped capsule fruits contain a seed and are 6 to 7 mm long and 3 to 4 mm wide. The triangular seeds are 2.4 mm long and 2.2 mm wide.
Distribution and systematics
Dasylirion leiophyllum is locally distributed in Mexico in the states of Chihuahua and Coahuila and in the USA in the states of Texas and New Mexico at altitudes of 1200 to 1800 m. It grows on stony slopes and on open grassland, associated with Yucca schidigera , Nolina micrantha and various Opuntia species.
It was first described in 1911 by William Trelease .
Dasylirion leiophyllum is a member of the Dasylirion section . Its distribution area extends from Mexico northwards to the USA. The downwardly curved, variable radial spines are typical, in contrast to the closely related Dasylirion texanum with upwardly directed radial spines. In the overlapping areas, e.g. B. in the Hueco Tanks region, there are intermediate forms of the two types.
Dasylirion leiophyllum is frost hardy to minus 15 ° C.
proof
literature
- Fritz Hochstätter : The Genus Dasylirion. (Nolinaceae) part 2 . In: Piante Grasse . Volume 31, number 3, 2011, pp. 108-110.
Individual evidence
- ^ William Trelease : The desert group Nolineae. Dasylirion . In: Proceedings, American Philosophical Society . Volume 50, 1911, p. 433 (online) .
Web links
- Entry in the Flora of North America