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Agave americana

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Agave americana

Family Name: Asparagaceae
Synonyms: Agave spectabilis
Common Name: Century Plant

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form 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 New World, exact origin unknown.
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
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

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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.
Species record last updated on: 14 October 2021.
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