Botanical Name: Furcraea hexapetala
Family: Asparagaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Furcraea
Synonyms:
Agave aspera Jacq. Agave australis Steud. Agave cubensis Jacq. Agave hexapetala Jacq. Agave odorata Pers. Agave vivipara Arruda Furcraea agavephylla Brot. Furcraea aspera (Jacq.) M.Roem. Furcraea cahum Trel. Furcraea cubensis (Jacq.) Vent. Furcraea macrophylla Baker Furcraea valleculata Jacobi. Agave odorata, Agave cubensis
Common Names: Fique, Cuban Hemp
Habitat: Furcraea hexapetala is native to Northern S. America – Venezuela, Ecuador, Galapagos, north through the Caribbean and Mexico. It grows on the Tropical highlands.
Description:
Furcraea hexapetala is an evergreen Perennial succulent plants with long, fleshy leaves which grow upwards, similar to Yucca. Flower stalks and long and flowers range from green to white and are slightly fragranced.The plant grows to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.
The flowers are pollinated by Birds, Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Cultivation:
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Propagation:
Seed – rarely produced. Plants frequently produce large numbers of bulbils, which root and grow into new plants when they fall to the ground. These bulbils have the capacity to remain viable for a number of years, even in unfavourable conditions
Medicinal Uses:
One of the most popular uses of asthma plant is for treating eye infections. Traditional healers commonly turn the weed into tea or decoction, and then recommended it as eye wash for those who have conjunctivitis. For Snakebites.
Other Uses: Agroforestry Uses: Planted as living fences. Other Uses: A fibre is obtained from the leaves.
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
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/189941/i-furcraea-hexapetala-i/details
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Furcraea+hexapetala
