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Dasylirion is a genus of flowering plant in the family Ruscaceae, comprising 17 species. All species are native to Mexico, and can be found growing in arid mountainous regions of southwestern United States and Mexico.
Dasylirion is a perennial plant and polycarpic (flowers and set seeds many times before dying). The plants has spreading roots of 2-8 mm diameter. The stems are short and elongated, often with erect or reclining trunk. The leaves are long, linear, glabrous or waxy glaucaus, margins with sharp, curved prickles, and a fibrous apex. Mature plants are unapproachable because of their radiating stiff, sharply spined leaves, which together form a complete or a half sphere. The flowers are greenish white or purple, with six tepals. Its fruits are three-winged, dry, indehiscent capsule with one seed.
Dasylirion was once a major food source in the desert southwest. The bulbs were roasted in rock-lined pits and pounded into cakes. The cakes were then fermented and later distilled to produce a potent alcoholic beverage, known as sotol. The leaves are used to weave baskets, sandals, mats, and ropes.
