Botanical Name: Furcraea andina
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Genus: Furcraea
Species: F. andina
Synonyms: Furcraea delevantii Riviere
Common Names: Pacpa, Fique
Habitat: Furcraea andina is native to Andean regions of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. From here it was extended to Venezuela and the east coast of Brazil. It grows oropical highlands. All climates, from coastal plains to elevations above 3,000 metres.
Description:
Furcraea andina is a perennial succulent shrub kind of plant that grows 59 to 79 inches in both height and width. The stem alone grows about 40 to 80 inches tall and the leaves are thick and fleshy and in the form of a beautiful rosette. Some species come with spine-y leaves and once the plant matures, one can notice that the stalk looks like an asparagus shoot.
Cultivation:
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Propagation: Through seeds. Bulblets, Cuttings. Best method by bulbils found on lower stems.
Edible Uses: Edible Portion: Bud, Leaves – alcoholic drink. The young buds are edible. They are pickled. The leaves are used to make a fermented drink.
Mediicinal Uses: The leaves have been used in topic preparations for treatment of boils. The extract of leaves is used against horse lice.
Other Uses:
Packing (sacks and packages for agriculture). Ropes, Tapestry (rugs and tapestry). The fibres can be stained with different organic materials, such as avocado seed, achiote and eucalyptus cortex. Handcrafts, purses, bags, handbags, mattresses, curtains, shoes, umbrellas, baskets and many other products. Subproducts: Pulp for organic fertilizer and paper. Leaves juice used for soap, fungicides, alcoholic beverages (homemade tapetusa), organic fuel and animal food. Floral stem used in the construction of houses and ladders. Carbon Farming Solutions – Industrial Crop: fiber. Good leaf lamina fibres that need to be seperated from the rest of the plant. Lamina fibres cannot be used for fine textiles but for rope, nets, bags, and rugs. (Industrial crops are grown for non-food uses. Industrial crops provide resources in three main categories: materials, chemicals, and energy. Traditional materials include lumber and thatch, paper and cardboard, and textiles). Agroforestry Services: living fence (Agroforestry is a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland).
Known Hazards: Spines or sharp edges.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furcraea_andina
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Furcraea+andina
