Dasylirion leiophyllum
Dasylirion Leiophyllum in Texas
Dasylirion Leiophyllum is a plant of the genus Dasylirion in the family of asparagus plants ( Asparagaceae ). An English common name is "Smooth Sotol, Desert Candle".
Description
Dasylirion Leiophyllum forms a woody stem of 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, 2-3 mm long spines are directed downwards.
The Rispige inflorescence is 2 to 4 m high. The numerous flowers are green to tanfarben. The flowering period extends from June to July.
The egg-shaped fruit capsules contain a seed and are 6-7 mm long and 3-4 mm wide. The triangular seeds are 2.4 mm long and 2.2 mm wide.
Distribution and systematics
Dasylirion Leiophyllum is widespread in Mexico in the states of Chihuahua and Coahuila and in the USA in the states of Texas and New Mexico at altitudes of 1200-1800 m locally. It grows on rocky slopes and open grasslands, associated with Yucca schidigera Nolina micrantha and various Opuntia species.
The first description was in 1911 by William Trelease.
Dasylirion Leiophyllum is a member of the Section Dasylirion. Its distribution extends from Mexico northward to the United States. Typical are the downward curved, variable radial spines, in contrast to the closely related Dasylirion texanum with upwardly directed spines. In the overlapping regions, such as in the region Hueco tanks exist intermediate of the two types.
Dasylirion Leiophyllum is hardy to minus 15 ° C.