I use to have a huge clump of Yuccas in my front yard.I was moving them one summer and a car stopped and the Mexican men asked me could they have a couple of the roots to eat.I had accidentally broke some off when I was digging them up.I asked them do you eat them?They told me yes,and said there good for men to eat.I gave them a couple big roots,they said they would bring me some cooked.I laughed and said no thanks.They also asked me if they could have a few pads off my prickly pair cactus,they wanted the young ones,before the needles turned hard.I asked them do you eat them also?They said the cactus was considered a delicacy in Mexico.I let them have a few and the next day the brought some of the cactus cooked and put in a soft shell.They even make a sauce out of the pods when they turn purple after they flower.That's why I thought what they sell in the grocery store as yucca root was they same as the ones I dug out of the ground,they looked almost the same to me.You could be correct,maybe they didn't know the difference.I'll just be honest,I have no knowledge on yucca root as a food and I Dont want to know,LOL. Randy

Thanks for the suggestions. I will add those two to the list of possibilities!

Clare- I am so sorry that you are dealing with this especially since it's long distance. The POA and the DNR are important documents and I think all the siblings should have a copy. I'm responsible for my Father who moved in with us when my Mom died 3 years ago. He made out a new will and POA and DNR and I gave copies to both of my brothers. I didn't want any misunderstanding if something were to happen to Dad and I had to make important decisions. You mentioned surgery but you didn't say what the doctor's opinion was, what the risk factors are or how much improvement might be achieved. I think you need more information before you try to help your Mom. Exactly what surgery has been proposed? If your brother is withholding information maybe you or your sister could visit and take her on one of her appointments. Maybe you would feel better if you were able to spend some time with your Mom now. My Dad just had a pacemaker implanted. His heart was only pumping at 20% because the lower 2 chambers were not pumping in the proper rhythm. Plus his valves are worn out so half of the blood that was pumped out fell right back into the chamber. He has terrible circulation, can't walk without a walker, can only walk about 50 feet without resting, one carotid is completely blocked and the other only has 10% blood flow. He was so short of breath he couldn't dress himself. The pacemaker has made a huge difference - the shortness of breath is completely gone, his heart is in correct rhythm, his fingertips are no longer blue, he bathes and dresses himself, and his skin tone is pink again. He still can't walk far but that's because of peripheral artery disease. Mentally he is very alert, the procedure was short and fairly low risk. So it was an easy decision. However no one was in favor of more extensive surgery especially my Dad. And he is a 'ticking time bomb' but as he says 'who isn't at age 89?' I hope everything works out for you.

The tight brown, light green spear is a tell tail sign on this disease. Most arborist work on Trees, and Shrubs. Ask first, is the Arborist is Certified to identify Texas Lethal Palm Decline. I don't want you to waste money on someone who claims to know something with out proper study. What will likely happen next is the Heart or Spear will completely turn brown and in two to three months the spear will be able to be pulled out. When this happens you will smell a foul odor. You will want to remove this Palm immediately due the spreading of this disease. You had stated that you are in Louisiana. I would talk to your local extension office or Agriculture office and ask about this Palm. Most are very helpful and FREE. Here in Central Florida we are no longer able to Ship Sylvestris to Texas nor Louisiana due to this spreading disease. That's another reason I do not Grow them anymore. Gabriel Growers Inc.