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Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Wednesday Explorers Club ~ desert plant field trip






Yucca is one cool plant. Look at those creamy white flowers, and those sharp, pointy leaves. The leaves look like they're fraying on the edge... let's look closer.

Turns out those fibers are useful. But first you need to soak the leaves, pound them with a wooden mallet, and rinse away the pulp. The remaining fibers can be twisted into threads. Yucca fibers and threads have been used in making cordage, sandals, mats, clothing, nets, and baskets. You can learn more about natural fibers here.

In my garden there are milkweed plants that produce wonderful fibers. What plants do you have in your neighborhood that could be used for fiber?

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