Yucca is a genus of perennial plants native primarily to North America, ranging from Panama to southern Canada. There are about 40-50 species of yucca. These plants usually have rosettes of long, stiff, sword-shaped leaves and grow in various forms, from small shrubs to tree-like giants such as the Joshua tree. Yuccas typically produce large spikes of whitish or cream-colored flowers with thick petals and are well adapted to dry, desert-like conditions, making them xerophytes (plants specialized for dry living conditions). The yucca plant is known by other common names such as Adam's needle and Spanish bayonet. They belong to the asparagus family and have a specialized mutualistic relationship with yucca moths for pollination. Ecologically, yuccas provide shelter and habitat for small animals in North American deserts and contribute to improving soil fertility and preventing erosion. Humans have long used yucca for various purposes: as garden plants, for food (some species have edible flower petals), and for fibers used to make cords, baskets, mats, and sandals. Native peoples have traditionally also used yucca in making soaps. It is important to note that yucca should not be confused with "yuca," which refers to the cassava root, a starchy tuber vegetable used in cooking, which is unrelated to the yucca plant genus. In summary, yucca is a hardy, usually desert-adapted plant genus with distinctive pointed leaves and flowering spikes, valued ecologically and culturally in its native regions. The Joshua tree is its most famous tree-like representative. Let me know if you want more details on a specific aspect of yucca!