Agave funkiana – Ixtle de Jaumave

Description

Agave is a genus of succulent plants native to the Americas. There are many species of agaves, most of which are native to Mexico. The plants generally have thick, fleshy leaves that are usually covered with thorns along the side and end in a sharp point.
Agaves grow quite slowly and only flower after many years. At that time, a very long stem (in relation to the plant) grows out of the plant, with a large number of small flowers at the top. Agaves reproduce mainly vegetatively with root cuttings. Most agaves are monocarp, d.w.z. dat they only bloom once and then die.
Some agave species remain quite small, but the largest species, including the well-known Agave americana, can grow meters tall and wide. This species was introduced to Europe in the middle of the 16th century and is now found throughout the Mediterranean basin.