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YUCCAS
Look Good Enough To Eat
By Dr Kevin Glucina
"The unique Yucca Elephantipes (the no-water plant), one of the most versatile plants in the world, is an architectural pot plant, a landscaping tree and a nutritious vegetable" Australia's Dr Kevin Glucina explains.
Scoring 100% for versatility, the new YUCCA ELEPHANTIPES may be seen in the foyers of five-star hotels or its beautiful bell-shaped flowers may find their way onto your plate at your favourite restaurant.
Used all over the world as a favourite Interior Decorators' pot plant and landscape tree, this Spineless Yucca is striking in bloom, producing large clusters in Spring and Summer, and has been very popular in Auckland for years.
From the family Agavae, Yucca Elephantipes has its origins in the high country of Mexico and Central America, where the locals prize its large bell-shaped flower clusters as a particularly delicious and nutritious vegetable. Chopped and fried with eggs, added to stews, casseroles or chicken soup, or made into a tea, the unopened lower buds and heart of the cabbage are said to suit even the most discerning palate (and are not dependent on acquired taste).
Used for their medicinal as well as culinary qualities by the ancient Mayans, the flowers have been analysed to contain very high values of vitamins and minerals....per 100gram serve: Calcium 40mg, Phosphorous 85mg, Iron 2.4mg, Carotene 0.144mg, Thiamine 0.2mg, Riboflavin 0.175mg, Niacin 1.9mg, Vitamin C 560mg.
Physicians recommend that these Yucca products be more frequently eaten because of the high content of Calcium, Phosphorous and Ascorbic Acid in the flowers and the very high level of Calcium in the hearts (370mg/100g).
The leaves are used by the Indians for weaving ribbons, scarves, sacks and making twine. The plants are used by farmers to make living stock fences.
In modern medicine the flowers are considered stomachic, tonic and valued for their diuretic action. In Guatemala a decoction of the trunk heart is taken to relieve kidney ailments.
Often called the Spineless or soft-tipped Yucca, Elephantipes has also been trade-marked, 'The No Water Plant' because of its tolerance to drought once established in a landscape situation. Even the potted indoor specimens will tolerate a month with no water if you are away on holiday.
Outdoors, Elephantipes suits most well-drained soils and prefers fertiliser high in potassium and low in phosphorous. Branching can be stimulated by breaking the tip (heart) for consumption or pruning. It is salt-tolerant, tolerates mild frosts and is suitable for most areas of Auckland.
| Dr Kevin Glucina has long had a passion for palms and subtropical plants. many of his plants have found their way into Auckland gardens and his latest imports are sure to impress. |
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