By Ian Williams
A plant that is native to the Mojave Desert in California has flowered for the first time at Ventnor Botanic Garden.
The Yucca schidigera, which is also known as the Spanish Dagger or the Mojave Yucca, is very tall and to flower in an outdoor environment is very rare in the UK.
It can grow up to five metres in heights, while the flower spike at the top of the plant could exceed more than a metre alone and comprises of hundreds of white night scented flowers.
Chris Kidd, Head Gardener at Ventnor Botanic Garden said you will need to be quick to see it in its current state. He said “The flower spike should remain open for around two weeks so anyone wanting to view it should visit the gardens now.
“Historically, the plant was used by native Americans to make soap, while its seeds could be ground into flour. The fibres of the leaves were also used to make rope, sandals and cloth.
“It is a very exciting and stunning plant to view, not to mention being very photogenic.”
