agave

Agave is a genus of about 130 species of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. Native to hot, arid regions of the Americas, especially Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of the southwestern United States, agaves are perennial, succulent plants that form rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves with sharp spines along the margins and a hard terminal spine.

Most agaves are adapted to dry environments and store water in their leaves. They grow slowly and may remain vegetative for several years before producing a single, tall flowering stalk (an inflorescence) that can reach several meters. After flowering, many species die, a life history known as monocarpic reproduction, though some produce new shoots from the base.

Agave species have several important economic and cultural uses. Agave tequilana (blue agave) is cultivated for tequila; various species such as Agave angustifolia and A. espadín are used to produce mezcal. The sap of many agaves contains inulin and can be fermented to produce beverages or sweetened as agave syrup. Fiber from Agave sisalana (sisal) is used for ropes and textiles, while other species are grown as ornamental plants.

Cultivation and horticulture: They require bright light and very well-drained soil, with infrequent irrigation. They are generally drought-tolerant and sensitive to root rot in poorly drained soil. Some species are threatened by overharvesting and habitat loss, especially those targeted for the tequila industry.