BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Dasylirion leiophyllum | Smooth-Leaf Sotol 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Smooth-leaf sotol is a large leaf-succulent shrub [2,15].  The leaves
are 0.7 to 0.9 inches (2-2.5 cm) broad, 23 to 31 inches (60-80 cm) long,
and basally clumped from a short trunk [2,15].  The inflorescence is a
stout, narrow, spicate panicle [about 1 foot (0.3 m) long] borne on a
rather tall scape.  The fruit is an indehiscent, winged capsule [15].

No specific information was found in the literature regarding longevity
or roots.  However, a similar species, Texas sotol (Dasylirion texanum)
has a large number of roots, each about 0.2 inch (0.5 mm) in diameter,
forming a cluster at the base of the stem.  The roots of Texas sotol run
downward at an acute angle and also extend horizontally into the soil.
The roots are coarse and are found between 5.9 to 14.1 inches (15-36 cm)
below the soil surface.


RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Chamaephyte


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
Sexual reproduction - Smooth-leaf sotol plants are dioecious.  They
produce thousands of tiny flowers in a long narrow cluster [11].  The
seed is contained in a one-celled three-winged capsule [15].

Vegetative reproduction - Smooth-leaf sotol reproduces vegetatively
by sprouting from the terminal bud, which is located at the base of the
leaf [1,9].


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
Smooth-leaf sotol is found on hillsides, in deciduous woodlands, and in
grasslands of desert regions [2,7].  It is often found growing in soils
with limestone substrate [7,11].  Smooth-leaf sotol is commonly found on
south-facing boulder slopes and streambeds at elevations between 4,200
and 5,500 feet (1,280-1,676 m).  This shrub is generally not abundant
where permanent surface water is present [7].

Smooth-leaf sotol is often associated with lechuguilla (Agave
lecheguilla), walnut (Juglans spp.), prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), yucca
(Yucca spp.), nolina (Nolina spp.), Pinchot juniper (Juniperus
pinchotii), wavyleaf oak (Quercus undulata), skeleton goldeye (Viguiera
stenoloba), curlyleaf muhly (Muhlenbergia setifolia), grama (Bouteloua
spp.), threeawn (Aristida spp.) and slim tridens (Tridens muticus)
[7,9,17].


SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
NO-ENTRY


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
No specific information on seasonal development of smooth-leaf sotol was
found.  However, a similar species, Wheeler sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri),
flowers in spring or early summer [2].  In the Chihuahuan Desert, New
Mexico, Wheeler sotol flower buds are initiated in mid- to late May,
flowering occurs in June and July, and fruits are mature by August [16].

Related categories for Species: Dasylirion leiophyllum | Smooth-Leaf Sotol