Yucca, a member of the lily family, symbolizes strength and serene beauty. The plant is also called ‘lamparas de dios’ or ‘lamps of the lord’ as the clusters of white flowers emerge from the plant on a single vertical stalk resemble a lamp.

Yucca, the state flower of New Mexico, sometimes attains the height of a small tree. Sharp-edged leaves emerge in long bunches from the base of the plant. The plant breaks into bloom in the early parts of summer and the waxy flowers are of whitish or pale ivory colour and appear in clusters towards the end of the erect stalk. The thick-petal flowers attract the yucca moth which helps in the pollination.

The plant, a native of the deserts, is commonly found in the hotter and drier regions of North and Central Americas as well as the West Indies.

The roots of Yucca are used to make soaps and the big leaves are used to make baskets. Some parts of some species of this plant - like the fruits, stem, flowers and sometimes even the roots are also edible. The plant is most frequently used as a garden plant and for ornamental purpose.