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 ocahui is an evergreen, succulent plant developing a short trunk on which there is a rosette of leaves that can be 30 - 50cm tall and 50 - 100cm in diameter. The leaves on mature plants can each be 25 - 70cm long and 15 - 25mm wide near the base. After several years of growth, a slender flowering stem that can be around 3 - 4.5 metres tall is produced, after which the rosette will die[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for loca use as a source of fibre. The plant is often grown as an ornamental for semi-arid regions[]
Agave ocahui grows on mountain tops (sky islands) which makes it vulnerable to climate change. Some signs of the impacts of climate change are already noticeable, such as the fires resulting from extended periods of droughts. It occurs in 10 locations based on threats including increased fires and cattle ranching and only a few collections are observed within protected areas. 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

Southwest N. America - northern Mexico (northeast Sonora)

Habitat

Limestone and volcanic substrate on cliffs with vegetation of thorn scrub to tropical deciduous forest and grasslands; at elevations from 500 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Agave ocahui is a relatively cold-hardy, somewhat frost-tolerant plant, and can be grown in the semi-arid regions of southwestern USA[].
Often found in poor, shallow soils in the wild, but grows more vigorously in deeper soils[]
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.
Individual plants take about 7 - 15 years in their native habitat, considerably longer in colder climates, before flowering[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The leaves contain an abundance of a coarse, strong fibre that is used to make brushes and cordage[, ].

The leaves and the flowers contain 05 - 1% sapogenins[]. When crushed and placed in water they make a lather and can be used as a soap.

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.