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Yucca aloifolia Spanish bayonet Evergreen tree (1 Page of 5) The Yucca aloifolia plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - North Carolina to Florida, west to Louisiana. Naturalized in S. Europe[11] It is a member of the Agavaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Spanish bayonet. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Yucca aloifolia Common Name: Spanish bayonet Family: Agavaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: The roots contain saponins[222]. Whilst saponins are quite toxic to people, they are poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass straight through. They are also destroyed by prolonged heat, such as slow baking in an oven. Saponins are found in many common foods such as beans[K]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K]. Mature Height: 7.5 Mature Width: Habitat: Sand dunes of the coast, occasionally up to 60 km inland, in pine forests[82]. Also found on the margins of brackish marshes[229].
General Uses: A fibre obtained from the leaves is used for making ropes, baskets and mats[169].
Narrow, split leaf strips have been used as sewing material for coiled plaques[257].
The leaves have been used in several types of basketry[257].
The leaf splints have been used as brushes to apply colour to pottery[257].
The leaves can be split and used as a temporary string[257].
The roots are rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute. They are crushed and then placed in water to form suds that are used in bathing and shampooing[257].
The juice from the plant has been used as a varnish[257].
For further Yucca aloifolia gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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