Native to Central and South America, the plants of the genus Furcraea are popular and interesting ornamental succulents. However, these plants – which go by an incredible array of names in nurseries and garden centers – are not only important to homeowners and landscapers; they play a large role in the lives of rural communities that have benefited from these plants for hundreds of years.
Classification and Description
Most of the species within the genus exhibit similar tendencies and needs. Each is a succulent that is well adapted to arid regions. Most of the species look like an inordinately large tuft of grass, but they are actually members of the asparagus family, and not terribly close to the grasses.
However, Furcraea species are closely related to a better-known group of succulents – the agave plants (genus Agave). In fact, Furcraea plants superficially resemble agaves, and they are often mistaken for them. The primary difference between the two groups involves the flowers: Agaves have thread-like filaments, while Furcraea plants have thicker filaments. Like many agaves, most fique plants are monocarpic, meaning they only bloom once before dying.
Despite the fact that most of these plants are small and remain less than 6 to 8 feet in height, Furcraea macdougalii possesses a tree-like trunk, which allows it to reach 20 feet in height. Many produce tall branch-like flowers that rise high above the plant’s leaves. One species – Furcraea longaeva — produces flowers that may rise up to 40 feet above the ground.
Ecology and Community
Fique plants tend to grow well in disturbed areas, as they appreciate abundant sunshine and require relatively little water. Many botanists consider them commensal organisms, as they clearly benefit from living in close proximity to humans. Additionally, these plants are able to thrive in areas with very little soil. This combination of traits has made fique plants valuable for many erosion-control projects.
Unfortunately, once introduced to new areas, these plants often become invasive and outcompete members of the local plant community. Fique plants are already threatening the survival of a few bromeliads in Brazil and a rare orchid species in Cape Verde.
The Resources of Fique Plants
Indigenous peoples of Central and South America call the 20 to 25 living members of the genus Furcraea a variety of different names, including fique, cabuyo, pita, and coquiza. Most of these names refer to the strong fibers present in the plants’ leaves.
These fibers have been harvested from the leaves for hundreds of years, being used to craft bags, roofs, cordage and a number of other goods. The plants remain an important resource in the modern world, and extracts of the leaves are used to create paper, soaps and fertilizers. Some even use the fibers to create an alcoholic drink.
Cultivation
Fique plants grow well outdoors, but many species also make good houseplants. A number of cultivars are sold commercially.
Many of the plants in this genus have exceptionally sharp spines; additionally, the terminal tip of the leaves is usually sharp enough to pierce human skin with ease. Accordingly, caution is warranted when planting these shrubs as ornamentals. They should be kept away from areas in which children or pets may play. It is generally wise to plant the larger varieties in open spaces with little foot traffic.