Hesperoyucca whipplei is plant with an identity crisis...at least according to a myriad of taxonomists who've tossed it around like the proverbial hot potato...currently viewed as a cousin of the more popular yucca. Hesperoyucca is the gunnera of the Southwest. Despite being difficult to grow outside of its native range, due to it's dislike of water and need for perfect drainage, the mystique of its stunning beauty causes gardeners to go through extraordinary means to try to keep it alive.