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[].
Agave maculata is not the universally accepted name for this species. Other authors believe that name was used to describe a different species, and that the correct name for this species should therefore by Agace Maculosa Hook.[].

Common Name: Spice Lily

General Information

Agave maculata is a stemless, evergreen, semi-succulent plant growing from a bulbous rootstock with fleshy, contractile roots. It forms a cluster of leaves up to 26cm tall and flowering stems that can be 60 - 140cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of soap. The fleshy roots of this and several other closely related species used to be highly valued for their use as a soap. They were sold in large quantities in local markets all round the country[]. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, there are some named varieties[].

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 - southern Texas to northeast Mexico

Habitat

Dry chaparral, on slopes or between rocks, and in pine or oak or tropical deciduous forests or desert
scrub; at elevations from 10 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant is grown as an ornamental. It produces a stalk of creamy-yellow or white flowers, which turn pink with age and produce a heavy, spicy scent after sundown[]

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are used as a remedy for snakebites[], 1856. The leaves are chewed or mashed and then applied to the bite. The plant was also sometimes chewed and the juice swallowed[].

Other Uses

A liquid soap can be made from the saponin-rich rhizome[]. The rhizome was cut into pieces and soaked for several days. The rhizomes and water together were used and the whole concoction was pronounced unexcelled for shampoos[]. The rhizomes can be dried for storage and then grated as needed[].
Water from the crushed and macerated corms can be used as a shampoo to wash the hair[].

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[].
Division of the plant.