The last issue dealt with Yucca and this issue will talk about Sotol. Sotol is very similar to Yucca and difficult to tell them apart unless they are compared side by side.

As with so many things of nature in the Southwest, the Sotol has many practical uses. It can be a food source by baking the "heart." There is even an alcoholic drink, called sotol, that is made from the juice extracted from the base of the plant and its roots. The drink has been likened to "White Lightning" Mexican style.

The leaves can be woven into baskets, matts, sandals and rope.

Archeologists have found remains of sotol products throughout the American Southwest. Native Americans used the hearts and meat at the base of the leaves for food, in the same way we eat artichokes today.

The plant requires little water and very little maintenance, because the plant was designed to take care of itself within the harshest conditions. It is estimated that they can live to 150 years of age.

If you are interested in learning more about the Sotol, visit: http://www.unlv.edu/facilities/landscape/archive/desert_spoon.html

The outer "bark" is easy to woodburn silhouettes onto, but it is difficult to get decent detail and shading. A cross section woodburns very similar to yucca and some detail and shading can be done.

If anyone wants Sotol sticks or Sotol slices, please contact me:

newsletter@southwestwoodcrafts.com