The genus Agave is treated here in a wide sense to include taxa previously treated as belonging to the genera Manfreda, Prochnyanthes, Polianthes and Pseudobravoa. Not all botanists are happy with this treatment, with some feeling that these genera should remain distinct, at least until further studies have been carried out. In addition, given the high species diversity found in Agave, some feel that an alternative approach could be the recognition of several smaller genera within the current circumscription of Agave[].

Common Name:

General Information

Agave aktites is an evergreen, succulent plant forming a rosette of leaves that can be 40 - 70cm tall and 60 - 110cm in diameter. The leaves on mature plants can each be 40 - 60cm long and 2 - 3cm wide near the base. After several years of growth, a flowering stem that can be around 3 - 4 metres tall is produced, after which the rosette will die. However, this species usually suckers freely during its lifetime and these plants will continue to grow[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is an important food crop for the Mayo tribe of northwest Mexico, who have cultivated it in the past and possibly still do so[]. The plant is also grown as an ornamental.
Agave aktites has a small range and extent of occurrence, it occurs in seven locations where shrimp farms and development for tourism cause a continuing decline in the number of mature individuals and habitat quality. This agave is also susceptible to climate change as raising sea level could affect its habitat (coastal sand dunes). The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

Many Agave species have strong, sharp spines on the leaves and leaf tips.
In theory at least, the flowers, nectar, immature flowering stem and the centre of the rosette of all Agave species is edible and, with proper preparation, can provide a sweet, tasty foodstuff. Some species, however, contain relatively high levels of saponins (which makes them taste bitter) and some other compounds which can cause bellyache, and so these would only be eaten in times of desperation. In addition, many people may find these foods to be strongly laxative the first few times they eat them[].

Botanical References

Range

Southwestern N. America - northwestern Mexico (Sonora, Sinaloa)

Habitat

Scattered along coastal environments, growing on sand dunes and in coastal thorn forest[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Agave species are found mainly in the arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern N. America, especially in Mexico. Many species can withstand at least a few degrees of frost and will succeed outdoors in warm temperate climates, but only in drier regions and where soils are very well-drained.
Agave species generally require a sunny position, succeeding in most soils of medium-fertility so long as they are very well-drained. Most species are undemanding as to the soil pH, though those found in the wild on limestone soils will grow better in neutral to alkaline conditions. Plants are generally very tolerant of dry conditions and of drought[].
Most Agave species are monocarpic, individual rosettes living for a number of years without flowering before sending up an often very large flowering stem and then dying after flowering and setting seed. This species, however, produces a number of new rosettes from suckers during its lifespan and these new plants will continue to grow after the death of the parent plant[]. Over time, some species can form extensive clonal colonies by this means[].
Individual plants take about 7 - 15 years in their native habitat, considerably longer in colder climates, before flowering[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].




Agave aktites is a clonal species, suckering up to 180cm away from the main plant[]
Agave species are monocarpic, individual plants living for a number of years without flowering then sending up an often very large flowering stem and then dying after flowering and setting seed. The plants of most species, however, normally produce a number of new plants from suckers during their lifespan and these new plants will continue the life-cycle. Over time, some plants can form extensive clonal colonies by this means[].
Individual plants take about 7 - 15 years in their native habitat, considerably longer in colder climates, before flowering[].

Edible Uses

The thick stems (hearts and leaf bases of the rosettes) when slow roasted become very sweet and well-flavoured. They are eaten by the local Mayo Indians who pit-baked as many as 40 - 50 'cabezas' at one time. This species is considered a superior food to other agaves growing on the mainland[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in a light position, mid spring in a warm greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15 - 20°c[, ]. 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 in the greenhouse until they are at least 15cm tall. Plant out at the beginning of the growing season, and give some protection from the cold for at least their first few winters[].
Offsets and suckers can be potted up at any time they are available. Keep in a warm greenhouse until they are well established[].
Bulbils, where produced, are an easy method of propagation. Simply pot them up and plant out at the beginning of a growing season when they are 10cm or more tall.