Hesperoyucca peninsularis
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| Hesperoyucca peninsularis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Agavoideae |
| Genus: | Hesperoyucca |
| Species: | H. peninsularis |
| Binomial name | |
| Hesperoyucca peninsularis (McKelvey) Clary | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Hesperoyucca peninsularis, the peninsular candle or lechuguilla, is a plant species endemic to the Baja California peninsula. It is a perennial forming a rosette. It is semelparous (flowering once then dying).[2][3]
Plants are monocarpic or polycarpic, and sometimes rhizomatous. Some form secondary rosettes at their base while others branch their caudex to produce new rosettes after flowering.[2]
Taxonomy
Phylogeny and classification
Although morphological characteristics and phylogenetic ITS analysis show that H. peninsularis is somewhat distinct from H. whipplei,[2] it is still widely recognized as either a form or a subspecies of H. whipplei. More conclusive research shows that H. peninsularis and H. whipplei form a polytomy, and are sister to H. newberryi, which is consistent with the fact that the populations of H. newberryi are disjunct from the genus while H. peninsularis and H. whipplei overlap.[4]
Distribution and habitat
It occurs in the coastal succulent scrub of northwestern Baja California south into the central desert and the Sierra de San Francisco in Baja California Sur.[5]
This species grows in association with elephant cactus, Larrea, Boojum trees, barrel cacti, Dudleya, Agave, ragweed and chollas. It grows on granite or basalt soils.[1] The plant tends to grow in clusters but occasionally can be found growing solitarily.[2]
Description
It is a perennial plant characterized by its rosette of stiff, sword-like leaves and tall flower stalks. The leaves are long, narrow, and pointed, often with a sharp tip and fibrous margins. The plant produces large clusters of white or cream-colored flowers, which are bell-shaped and fragrant. It bears dry, dehiscent capsules that contain flat, black seeds.
Growth and cultivation
Prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate poor, sandy soils typical of desert environments. Requires full sun to thrive. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal water once established, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening. Can be propagated by seed or offsets.