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Agave americana
| Family Name: | Asparagaceae |
| Synonyms: | Agave spectabilis Salisb., Aloe americana (L.) Crantz |
| Common Name: | Century Plant |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant, Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 1.8 m to 3 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 4 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southern United States to Mexico. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Large herbaceous plant with a rosette growth form up to 3 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Each rosette is composed of 20-40 leaves. Smooth, hard leaves are linear (1-2 m long, 15-25 cm wide) with an undulate, toothed leaf margin. Hooked marginal teeth are initially dark brown and later turn grey (<1.3 cm long with 2-5 cm of space between teeth). Terminal spine is thick and conical with a distinct groove on top. (2.5-5 cm long). Plants sold in the horticultural trade are usually grey to greyish blue. |
| Flowers | Yellow flowers are arranged along the upper third to half of a branched inflorescence known as a panicle (5-8 m tall). Plants begin to bloom after 10-35 years depending on the climate with plants blooming faster in warmer climates. |
| Cultivation | This species is easy-to-grow and tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Leaf |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Sucker |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Inflorescence Type | Panicle |
| Flowering Habit | Monocarpic, Long-lived |
| Inflorescence Size | 6.5 m |
References
| References | Irish, M. & Irish, G. (2000). Agaves, Yuccas, and Related Plants. USA: Timber Press, Inc.: 312 |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29197 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3506 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
