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 mckelveyana is an evergreen, stemless, succulent plant forming a rosette that can be 20 - 40cm tall. The leaves on mature plants can each be 20 - 35cm long and 3 - 5cm wide near the base. After several years of growth, a flowering stem that can be around 2 - 3 metres tall is produced, after which the rosette will die. However, the plant sometimes produces a number of young plants around its base that will develop as new plants[].
The plant was collected by indigenous peoples for use as food, but does not seem to be used at present. This seeds and whole plants of this species are sold in the horticultural trade (probably gathered from the wild) for use as an ornamental[]
Agave mckelveyana has a relatively small range and extent of occurrence, but can be found in 16 - 20 locations. The overall population seems stable and declines are localised and not sufficient to trigger a threatened category. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' 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

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Range

Southwestern N. America - western central Arizona

Habitat

Sandy to rocky or gravelly slopes with desert scrub, chaparral, and pinyon-juniper woodlands; at elevations from 800 - 2,200 metres[, , ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.35 m
Pollinators	Hummingbirds, Carpenter Bees, Wasps
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Agave mckelveyana is native to the semi-arid and arid regions of southwest N. America.
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, sometimes 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. 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

The plant has been used for food[].
In theory at least, the flowers, 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.

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.