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 difformis is an evergreen, short-stemmed, succulent plant forming an open rosette of leaves that can be 70 - 100cm tall and 100 - 150cm in diameter. Around 25 - 50 leaves are produced on mature plants, each of which can be 50 - 80cm long and 4 - 6cm wide near the base. After several years of growth, a flowering stem that can be around 3.5 - 6 metres tall is produced, after which the rosette will die. However, the plant usually suckers freely and these will develop as new plants[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials. It has been grown as an ornamental across European gardens since before 1969[].
Agave difformis is an abundant species, not facing significant threats and present in two protected areas. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

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

Southern N. America - northeast Mexico (Hidalgo, Querétaro, Tamaulipas)

Habitat

Coarse limestone rocky soils, in desert and submontane scrub on the arid side of the Sierra Madre Oriental; at elevations from 1560 - 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Bats, Bees, Hummingbirds
Cultivation Status	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, usually suckers freely to produces a number of new rosettes 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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The fibre of this species has been reportedly used for soap[]. The soap of Agaves comes from the saponins contained in the leaves and other plant parts, not from the fibre. Perhaps the above report is referring to the practice in Mexico and Guatemala of using the fibrous dried leaf bases of certain saponin-rich Agave species to make a brush for scrubbing pans etc, or for use on the skin.

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.