THE YUCCAS 



THE traveler who is a close observer of trees will be aston- 

 ished to find the lily family well represented in our Southern 

 silva. Now, a lily is formed by the rule of three, as shown in 

 the flower and in the seed pod. It has parallel- veined leaves 

 and a stem with bundles of fibres distributed through its softer 

 substance, much like the stems of corn or bamboo. 



The yuccas are our arborescent lilies. There are nine 

 species that attain the form and stature of trees. They are 

 beautiful flowering trees, especially prized in countries of 

 scant rainfall. They are planted for hedges. The fibrous 

 leaves furnish material for ropes, mattings, and baskets. Th 

 fleshy roots are used as a substitute for soap. 



