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Useful Temperate Plants

Agave angustifolia

Haw.

Asparagaceae


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[
1855
Title
Two new species of Manfreda Salisb. (Agavaceae) from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Publication
Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 135(2), 2008, pp. 168-177
Author
Hernández-Sandoval L., Orellana R. & Carnevali G.
Website
http://dx.doi.org/10.3159/08-RA-023.1
Publisher
 
Year
2008
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
There has been considerable confusion over the name Agave angustifolia. We have followed the treatment of Garcia-Mendoza and Chiang (Brittonia Vol 55 No.1 pp82-87. 2003)[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
] who treat this as a distinct species, separate from Agave vivipara and with a distinct range[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
]. By this treatment, all references for Agave vivipara with a range covering central America should refer to this species since Agave vivipara is native only to the islands of the Caribbean[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
].

+ Synonyms

Agave aboriginum Trel.

Agave bergeri Trel. ex A.Berger

Agave breedlovei Gentry

Agave bromeliifolia Salm-Dyck

Agave costaricana Gentry

Agave cuspidata Baker

Agave deweyana Trel.

Agave donnell-smithii Trel.

Agave elongata Jacobi

Agave endlichiana Trel.

Agave exselsa Baker

Agave flaccida Haw.

Agave flavovirens Jacobi

Agave houlletii Jacobi

Agave ixtli Karw. ex Salm-Dyck

Agave ixtlioides Hook.

Agave jacquiniana Schult. & Schult.f.

Agave kirchneriana A.Berger

Agave lespinassei Trel.

Agave letonae F.W.Taylor ex Trel.

Agave nivea Trel.

Agave owenii I.M.Johnst.

Agave pacifica Trel.

Agave panamana Trel.

Agave prainiana A.Berger

Agave prolifera Schott ex Standl.

Agave rigida Mill.

Agave rubescens Salm-Dyck

Agave serrulata Karw.

Agave sicaefolia Trel.

Agave vivipara bromeliifolia (Salm-Dyck) A.Terracc.

Agave vivipara deweyana (Trel.) P.I.Forst.

Agave vivipara letonae (F.W.Taylor ex Trel.) P.I.Forst.

Agave vivipara nivea (Trel.) P.I.Forst.

Agave vivipara rubescens (Salm-Dyck) P.I.Forst.

Agave vivipara sargentii (Trel.) P.I.Forst.

Agave wightii J.R.Drumm. & Prain

Agave yaquiana Trel.

Agave yxtli Karw. ex G.Don

Agave zapupe Trel.

Furcraea rigida (Mill.) Haw.

Common Name: Espadín

Agave angustifolia
Plant growing in native habitat in Mexico
Photograph by: Amante Darmanin
Creative Commons License
Agave angustifolia Agave angustifolia Agave angustifolia Agave angustifolia Agave angustifolia

General Information

Agave angustifolia is an evergreen, stemless or short-stemmed (to 60cm), succulent plant forming a rosette of leaves that can be 100 - 200cm tall and 150 - 200cm in diameter. Around 40 - 70 leaves are produced on mature plants, each of which can be 60 - 100cm long and4 - 10 cm wide near the base. After several years of growth, a flowering stem that can be around 2.5 - 5 metres tall is produced, after which the rosette will die. However, the plant usually produces a number of young plants around its base that will develop as new plants[
1844
Title
Agave Agavaceae
Publication
Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Monocotyledons, pp 21-311
Author
Thiede J.
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-56486-8_111
Publisher
Springer Nature
Year
2020
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
This is one of the main species in the genus for making the drink 'mezcal', a distilled alcoholic beverage that is very popular in Mexico and is also exported. The other uses of the plant are many and varied, including supplying food, fibre for ropes, construction material, fuel, beverages, traditional medicines and diverse utensils for local people[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
]. The plant is often cultivated or managed in the wild for making mezcal, and is also grown as an ornamental[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
,
1845
Title
Population Dynamics and Sustainable Management of Mescal Agaves in Central Mexico: Agave potatorum in the Tehuacán-C
Publication
Econ. Bot. 69(1): 26-41, 2015
Author
Toees I. et al
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-014-9295-2.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
Agave angustifolia has a wide range, it is abundant and even though there are threats in parts of its range, it
occurs in many protected areas and its overall population is stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

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[
1846
Title
The Agaves of Baja California
Publication
Occasional Papers of the California Academy of Sciences, No. 130,
Author
Gentry H.S.
Publisher
California Academy of Sciences; San Francisco
Year
1978
ISBN
0068-5461
Description
 
].

Botanical References

331
Title
Flora of Guatemala
Publication
 
Author
Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark
Website
http://www.archive.org/
Publisher
 
Year
1946 - 1976
ISBN
 
Description
A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/
,
1207
Title
Flora del Valle de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/118975#/summary
Publisher
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Year
1993 - 2015
ISBN
968-36-3108-8
Description
An excellent flora (in Spanish) of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere reserve in southeastern Mexico. It can be downloaded from the Internet
,
1844
Title
Agave Agavaceae
Publication
Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Monocotyledons, pp 21-311
Author
Thiede J.
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-56486-8_111
Publisher
Springer Nature
Year
2020
ISBN
 
Description
 

Range

C. America -Panama to Guatemala and northern Mexico

Habitat

Brushy rocky slopes, moist quebradas, or moist thickets, often planted in hedges or for ornament, at elevations from 200 - 3,000 metres[
331
Title
Flora of Guatemala
Publication
 
Author
Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark
Website
http://www.archive.org/
Publisher
 
Year
1946 - 1976
ISBN
 
Description
A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/
]. Found in several vegetation types, from coastal dunes at sea level to oak-pine forests at 2,200 metres[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
].

Properties

Conservation StatusLeast Concern
Edibility Rating *  *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *
Other Uses Rating *  *  *
HabitEvergreen Perennial
Height2.00 m
Cultivation StatusCultivated, Ornamental, Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Agave angustifolia is a very environmentally versatile Agave due to its wide latitudinal distribution range (it can be found from the north of Mexico to Costa Rica and Panama). The species is also found in Pine-Oak forest with tropical influence in the pacific range of Mexico. The most extreme habitats the species occupies are the arid Sonoran Desert, with an average annual precipitation of 250mm, and the pine-oak forest close to Uruapan Michoacán, with a mean annual rainfall of 1,680mm. The northern forms can survive winter frost without damage; whilst the tropical ones are more or less sensitive to low temperatures[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
]. A plant of drier areas in the tropics, northern forms can tolerate temperatures down to at least -4°c so long as the conditions are dry[
423
Title
Desert Tropicals
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
].
Requires a sunny position[
423
Title
Desert Tropicals
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
]. Requires a well-drained soil[
423
Title
Desert Tropicals
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
]. Succeeds in poor soils[
423
Title
Desert Tropicals
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
]. Established plants are very drought resistant[
423
Title
Desert Tropicals
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
].
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 or offsets during its lifespan and these new plants will continue to grow after the death of the parent plant[
1844
Title
Agave Agavaceae
Publication
Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Monocotyledons, pp 21-311
Author
Thiede J.
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-56486-8_111
Publisher
Springer Nature
Year
2020
ISBN
 
Description
 
]
The flowering stem can produce an abundance of bulbils[
1844
Title
Agave Agavaceae
Publication
Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Monocotyledons, pp 21-311
Author
Thiede J.
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-56486-8_111
Publisher
Springer Nature
Year
2020
ISBN
 
Description
 
]
Individual plants take about 7 - 15 years in their native habitat, considerably longer in colder climates, before flowering[
11
Title
Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
Publication
 
Author
Bean. W.
Publisher
Murray
Year
1981
ISBN
-
Description
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
].
Agave angustifolia is the wild progenitor of the cultivated species Agave tequilana (which is mainly used for producing alcoholic beverages) and Agave fourcroydes (which is mainly used for fibre production)[
1844
Title
Agave Agavaceae
Publication
Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Monocotyledons, pp 21-311
Author
Thiede J.
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-56486-8_111
Publisher
Springer Nature
Year
2020
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

Edible Uses

Flower buds and flowers[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
]. Boiled and eaten like squash[
1841
Title
The Warihio Indians of Sonora-Chihuahua; An Ethnographic Survey (Anthropological Papers, No. 65)
Publication
Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin 186 pp 61-144
Author
Gentry H.S.
Publisher
Smithsonian Institution
Year
1963
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent study
]. Cherished as a food[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Young flower peduncles[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
]. The tender young flowering stem is cut into sections and slow-baked to bring out the sweetness[
1841
Title
The Warihio Indians of Sonora-Chihuahua; An Ethnographic Survey (Anthropological Papers, No. 65)
Publication
Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin 186 pp 61-144
Author
Gentry H.S.
Publisher
Smithsonian Institution
Year
1963
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent study
].

Stems[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
]. The heart of the plant, with the leaves trimmed off, is slow-baked to convert much of the carbohydrates into sugars. It can then be eaten, or used to make mezcal[
1841
Title
The Warihio Indians of Sonora-Chihuahua; An Ethnographic Survey (Anthropological Papers, No. 65)
Publication
Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin 186 pp 61-144
Author
Gentry H.S.
Publisher
Smithsonian Institution
Year
1963
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent study
].
The cooked stems are used to make a weakly alcoholic beverage with a sour astringent flavour known as 'batari'. The stem is chopped into pieces and put in water together with the root of Phaseolus maculatus Scheele[
1555
Title
Taxonomy, Distribution, and Ecology of the Genus Phaseolus (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) in North America, Mexico and
Publication
SIda, Botanical Mlscellany, No 23
Author
Freytag G.F. & Debouck D.G.
Website
http://www.brit.org/sida
Publisher
Botanical Researeh Institute of Texas
Year
2002
ISBN
1-889878-11-1
Description
An excellent, detailed study of the genus Phaseolus, it has been made available on-line as an open access document.
].. This causes fermentation forr a day or so and, when the bubbling stops the batari is ripe for drinking[
1842
Title
The Agave Family in Sonora; Agriculture Handbook No. 399
Publication
 
Author
Gentry H.S.
Publisher
Agicultural Research Service, USDA; Washington D.C.
Year
1972
ISBN
 
Description
Gives quite a lot of information on the traditional uses of the plants.
]. The older the brew becomes after this point, the weaker it grows[
1842
Title
The Agave Family in Sonora; Agriculture Handbook No. 399
Publication
 
Author
Gentry H.S.
Publisher
Agicultural Research Service, USDA; Washington D.C.
Year
1972
ISBN
 
Description
Gives quite a lot of information on the traditional uses of the plants.
].

Leaf bases[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
]. The white, basal parts of the leaves are slow-baked. The resulting food is sweet but very fibrous - traditionally it is chewed to extract the sweetness and the fibrous portion is then spat out[
1842
Title
The Agave Family in Sonora; Agriculture Handbook No. 399
Publication
 
Author
Gentry H.S.
Publisher
Agicultural Research Service, USDA; Washington D.C.
Year
1972
ISBN
 
Description
Gives quite a lot of information on the traditional uses of the plants.
]. People eating this food for the first time find that it can have a purgative effect upon the body[
1842
Title
The Agave Family in Sonora; Agriculture Handbook No. 399
Publication
 
Author
Gentry H.S.
Publisher
Agicultural Research Service, USDA; Washington D.C.
Year
1972
ISBN
 
Description
Gives quite a lot of information on the traditional uses of the plants.
].

Fruit[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
].

The flowering stems are cooked and their juice extracted, fermented, and distilled into alcoholic beverages[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
].
The sap can be concentrated into a sweet syrup known as 'Agave Nectar' or 'Agave Syrup'[
360
Title
Philippine Medicinal Plants
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.stuartxchange.org/CompleteList.html
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A lovely site, giving brief details on the medicinal uses of several hundred (over 400 at the last count) plants in the Philippines, plus a picture of each plant.
].

Medicinal

The juice of the cooked leaves and stems, and a root infusion, are taken internally or used as poultices for both internal and external swelling, as well as for bruises, liver and kidney diseases, arthritis, and dysentery[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
].

The roots are diaphoretic and diuretic[
360
Title
Philippine Medicinal Plants
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.stuartxchange.org/CompleteList.html
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A lovely site, giving brief details on the medicinal uses of several hundred (over 400 at the last count) plants in the Philippines, plus a picture of each plant.
].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is often grown as a living fence or hedges[
331
Title
Flora of Guatemala
Publication
 
Author
Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark
Website
http://www.archive.org/
Publisher
 
Year
1946 - 1976
ISBN
 
Description
A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/
].

Other Uses

A fibre from the leaves is used for making rope[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
]. A very strong fibre, it is readily prepared by boiling the leaves for six hours, they are then placed through the rollers, and scraped[
1837
Title
Descriptive Notes on Fibres prepared for the Greater Britain and Paris Exhibitions
Publication
 
Author
Guilfoyle W.R.
Publisher
Melbourne Botanic Gardens; Melbourne
Year
1899
ISBN
 
Description
A list of more than 100 fibre-producing plant species with notes on how the fibre is ectracted.
].
The leaf bases are used as kitchen brushes[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
This plant is the source of the fibre called "ixtle", with which ropes, strings, satchels and kitchen utensils are manufactured[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
The plant yields a tough fibre used in the production of saddle blankets and "asak" (bags) to carry loads by horse[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a bulking agent[
1243
Title
CosIng
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
CosIng is the European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients.
].

The leaves are used for thatching[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
].

The spines on the leaves are used as nails or needles[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
].

The flowering stem can be used as posts, rafters, and fences[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
].

The root contains saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[
331
Title
Flora of Guatemala
Publication
 
Author
Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark
Website
http://www.archive.org/
Publisher
 
Year
1946 - 1976
ISBN
 
Description
A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/
].

The sticky sap of the leaves is added to whitewash to make it adhere to walls[
331
Title
Flora of Guatemala
Publication
 
Author
Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark
Website
http://www.archive.org/
Publisher
 
Year
1946 - 1976
ISBN
 
Description
A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/
].

The dried plant is burnt for fuel[
662
Title
The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa.
Publication
Brittonia Vol 55 No.1, pp 82-87
Author
Garcia-Mendoza A.; Chiang F.
Publisher
Brittonia; New York
Year
2003
ISBN
 
Description
An article setting out the reasons why Agave angustifolia should be treated as a distinct species with a different range to Agave vivipara..
].

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[
133
Title
Growing from Seed. Volume 1.
Publication
 
Author
Rice. G. (Editor)
Publisher
Thompson and Morgan.
Year
1987
ISBN
-
Description
Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation.
,
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. 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[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].
Offsets and suckers can be potted up at any time they are available. Keep in a warm greenhouse until they are well established[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
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.
Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2024-03-28. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Agave+angustifolia>

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