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Agave vilmoriniana A.Berger
| Family Name: | Asparagaceae |
| Synonyms: | Agave eduardi, Agave houghii, Agave mayoensis |
| Common Name: | Octopus agave |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico (North America) |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Large herbaceous plant forming a solitary rosette up to 1 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Long, narrow leaves (1-1.8 m long, 8-10 cm wide) are arranged in a rosette. They are usually light green (sometimes light blue) with smooth edges lined by a very thin brown border. Leaves curve upwards near the base and then backwards near the tip, creating an octopus-like shape. The leaf tip is armed with a sharp, but flexible terminal spine. |
| Flowers | Yellowish white to yellow flowers are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence known as a raceme (3-5 m tall). Plants typically bloom after 7-10 years in cultivation. |
| Habitat | Occurs in canyons, forming large colonies on the side of cliffs. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: The leaves contain saponin which can be used to wash clothes and other goods. Mature, dried leaves are pounded on one end to form a brush. The brush is wetted to release the suds-forming saponin, and then applied to the items to be washed. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Focal Plant, 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 |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought, Well-Drained Soils |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Aerial Bulbil |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Thick |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliage Retention Remarks | Dies after blooming. |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | Several Weeks |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31173 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5567 |
| 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. |
