 DESCRIPTION:
Semi-succulent plant to 3' or more. May have trunk, but leaves usually
form a rosette from the base. Leaves are semi-succulent, ribbon-like (long,
narrow, thin, and flexible), green, and the margins have teeth. Dioecious
(male and female flowers on separate plants). Flowers bloom in summer
along a tall (to 12') stalk coming out of the center of the rosette of
leaves. Flowers are tiny, greenish-white to yellowish, and are clumped
along the upper half of the stalk. Seed are contained in a three-winged,
papery shell and are dispersed by the wind. Agavaceae (Agave) or, more
recently, Nolinaceae (Nolina) Family.
NATURAL HISTORY: The common name, desert spoon, arises from the fact that
the dried leaves, when pulled from the rosette, are shaped like a spoon
at the base. Sotol blooms once every few years, multiple times during
its life (unlike Agave which bloom once in their lifetime, but
similar to Yucca). Many types of insects pollinate Sotol flowers
(unlike Yucca which are pollinated only by a moth and Agave
which are mostly pollinated by bats). Sotol, as do other members of the
Agavaceae family, has been used by humans in many ways, including making
baskets, mats, rope, and even liquor. |
