XYLOSMA- -YUCCA 685 



greens, and seem to be perfectly hardy. In Japan the species flowers 

 in August. 



YUCCA. LILIACE.E. 



Yucca is a genus of liliaceous trees and shrubs exclusively confined to 

 N. and Central America. About half a dozen species are grown in the 

 open air in the south of England, probably more in the mildest counties. 

 The leading characteristics of these plants are a cylindrical stem, in some 

 species not rising above ground-level, in others many feet high, fibrous 

 and fleshy, naked of foliage below, and marked by horizontal scars of 

 fallen leaves. Leaves long, narrow and pointed, crowded in a spherical 

 or hemispherical head. Flowers white or greenish, drooping, produced 

 in erect panicles or racemes, and composed of three outer segments, 

 and three inner ones. Stamens six. Fruit a capsule up to 2 or 3 ins. 

 long. 



In their general aspect the Yuccas are quite distinct from any other 

 group of hardy shrubs. Their foliage is essentially of a tropical or 

 subtropical character, which, combined with a peculiar stateliness and 

 beauty of flower, gives the genus a unique value in gardens. They are 

 especially suitable in formal arrangements, either isolated or in groups, and 

 their effectiveness in flower is enhanced if a dark background can be 

 given them. 



Considering the regions of which the species described below are 

 native, it is remarkable that they are so hardy and adaptable to our 

 climate. The commonest species come from the coast regions of the 

 south-eastern United States, yet they withstand 30 or 32 of frost 

 uninjured. Compared with wild plants, our garden ones have longer, 

 larger leaves, but smaller inflorescences. They appear to thrive in any 

 soil, but prefer a sandy loam in a position fully exposed to the south. In 

 such a position they never suffer from drought, nor do they, except for a 

 diminished crop of blossom, appear to be affected by cold, wet seasons. 

 As the stems lengthen, they ultimately decay at the older part, and fall 

 over by their own weight. The tops can be made to strike root by 

 trimming off half the leaves, and placing the stem in a pot of sandy soil, 

 giving it a place in a greenhouse until rooted. The dwarf species like 

 flaccida can be increased by division, and most of the species produce 

 rhizomatous underground stems which make plants when cut off and 

 potted. 



There are numerous hybrids between the following species in 

 cultivation. 



Y. FILAMENTOSA, Linnaus. 

 (Bot. Mag., t. 900.) 



A low evergreen shrub, the stem of which does not rise above ground- 

 level, and which increases and spreads by means of side growths from the 



