Dasylirion longissimum
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Dasylirion longissimum is a species of the genus Dasylirion in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The specific epithet longissimum means very long (Latin longissimus: superlative of longos long). An English common name is "Mexican Grass Tree".
description
Dasylirion longissimum forms a woody, strong trunk 200 to 400 cm in height. The square, warty, thickened, variable, green, dense leaves are 80 to 140 cm long and 10 to 12 mm wide. The leaf margins are finely serrated. The end tips are thin / needle-shaped.
The panicley, woody, narrow inflorescence becomes 3 to 4 m high. The numerous flowers are cream-colored. The flowering period extends from July to August.
The egg-shaped, tan-colored capsule fruits contain a seed and are 3.5 to 5 mm long. The triangular to elongated seeds are 3 mm long and 2.5 mm wide.
Distribution and systematics
Dasylirion longissimum is locally distributed in Mexico, in the states of San Luis Potosi, Hidalgo and Queretaro at altitudes of 1500 to 1900 m. It grows in desert areas on stony slopes or in flat, bushy terrain, associated with Yucca queretaroensis , Agave striata and various Opuntia species.
It was first described in 1856 by Charles Lemaire .
The rare Dasylirion longissimum is a member of the Quadrangulatum section . The strong, up to 4 m high trunk with the imposing, narrow inflorescence is characteristic. The variable, square, warty, green, dense leaves with needle-shaped end tips are typical. It is confused with the geographically isolated Dasylirion quadrangulatum , which occurs further north , but differences in leaf structure and flower phenology are recognizable. At first glance, similarities with Yucca queretaroensis become clear.
Dasylirion longissimum can withstand short periods of frost down to minus 5 ° C
Dasylirion longissimum is little known, but specimens can be found in the Botanical Gardens in Huntington, San Marino and in the Ruth Bancroft Gardens, Botanical Gardens in Walnut Creek, California.
proof
literature
- Fritz Hochstätter : The Genus Dasylirion. (Nolinaceae) part 2 . In: Piante Grasse . Volume 31, number 3, 2011, pp. 119-120.
