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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Agave atrovirens is an evergreen Perennial growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Agave atrovirens sigmatophylla A.Berger Agave coarctata Jacobi Agave cochlearis Jacobi Agave compluviata Trel. Agave jacobiana Salm-Dyck Agave lehmannii Jacobi Agave mitraeformis Jacobi Agave quiotifera Trel. ex Ochot. Agave tehuacanensis Karw. ex Salm-Dyck
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
The sap is fermented to make the alcoholic drink 'pulque'[317 ]. As soon as the inflorescence bud appears (at an age of about 7 years), it is excised. The sweet juice which then exudes for the next 3 - 4 months is collected and fermented[317 ]. Sometimes a brandy is produced by means of distillation of pulque which contains 4 - 8% ethanol. It is also possible to produce sugar or vinegar from the sugar-containing juice[317 ]. The flowering stems are cut into sections and then chewed like sugar cane[301 ]. The cuticle of the young leaves of the central spike is used as a translucent wrapping for the Mexican dish 'mixiote', which is prepared for festive occasions[301 ].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
The leaves, especially the youngest ones, provide fibres suitable for the production of laces, fine clothes and foodwear[317 ]. The roots contain saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[331 ]. An architectural succulent. Deer Tolerant.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
A plant of drier areas in the subtropics and tropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,400 metres. Requires a sunny position[423 ]. Requires a well-drained soil[423 ]. Succeeds in poor soils[423 ]. Established plants are very drought resistant[423 ]. A monocarpic species - the plant lives for a number of years without flowering but dies once it does flower. However, it normally produces plenty of suckers during its life and these continue growing, taking about 10 - 15 years in a warm climate, considerably longer in colder ones, before flowering[11 ]. Cultivation is easy in a well-drained sandy soil with sunny exposure. For a pot culture, it requires a container of very large size to remain in an harmonious appearance. It can be used to fix a slope.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - surface sow in a container in a light position. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20c[133 ]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of well-drained soil when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position until they are at least 20cm tall. It is multiplied more easily by planting shoots than by seedlings.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Agave raksasa, Pulqueagave, Maguey de pulque, Maguey manso, Maguey ceniso
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: Mexico, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Durango, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Colima, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Puebla,
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Otto ex Salm-Dyck
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Agave atrovirens
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