About Beschorneria yuccoides K.Koch
Beschorneria yuccoides K.Koch is a stemless plant that produces 20 to 35 leathery, linear-lanceolate leaves. These leaves are wider at the base, colored gray-green to green, and measure 40–60 cm (16–24 in) long and 3.3–3.5 cm (1.3–1.4 in) wide, with finely denticulate margins.
Its inflorescence grows to a height of 100–180 cm (39–71 in), and can reach a maximum height of 320 cm (130 in). Both the stem and bract of the inflorescence are red, and individual flowers are 40 to 50 mm long. Fruits range from elongated to nearly spherical, measuring 30–40 mm (1.2–1.6 in) long and 15–25 mm (0.59–0.98 in) wide.
This species is native to Mexico, where it occurs in the states of Hidalgo, Puebla, and Veracruz, growing at elevations between 2,700–3,000 m (8,900–9,800 ft) above sea level.
In cultivation, this plant cannot tolerate severe freezes, and grows best in warm, sheltered full sun locations facing south or west where temperatures do not drop below −5 °C (23 °F). It can also be grown under glass. It grows successfully outdoors at Earlscliffe, Howth, County Dublin, Ireland, at 53.3º N latitude, where it benefits from an unusually favorable microclimate. In cultivation in the United Kingdom, it has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
