**Plant Disclaimer: Images for reference only. Variations in shape, size, color are natural. Replaceable but not returnable. Damaged plants? Contact us within 2 days (Special Offer from SelfLine.in!
Buy One Plant and Get a Aparajita Plant Seeds Packet Worth ₹199 for FREE!
How to Avail:
- Select a Plant: Choose your favorite from our collection.
- Add to Cart: The Aparajita Plant Seeds packet will be automatically added to your order.
Why Choose SelfLine.in?
- Premium Quality Plants
- Expert Gardening Support
- Fast and Secure Delivery
Shop Now and Get Your Guaranteed Gift!
Visit: www.selfline.in
Happy Gardening from SelfLine.in!
Description:
Agave americana: The Century Plant
Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant, maguey, or American aloe, is a flowering plant species in the Asparagaceae family. Native to Mexico and the United States, particularly Texas, this plant is widely cultivated worldwide for its ornamental value. It has become naturalized in various regions, including Southern California, the West Indies, South America, the Mediterranean Basin, Africa, the Canary Islands, India, China, Thailand, and Australia.
Despite the common name “American aloe,” Agave americana is not related to Aloe, although both belong to the order Asparagales. The name “century plant” comes from its semelparous nature, as it flowers only once at the end of its life. After flowering, the plant dies but produces adventitious shoots from its base, allowing continued growth. Though often thought to live for a century, it typically survives only 10 to 30 years.
Agave americana features a spread of 1.8–3.0 meters (6–10 feet) with gray-green leaves measuring 0.9–1.5 meters (3–5 feet) in length. Each leaf has a prickly margin and a heavy spike at the tip capable of deep penetration. Towards the end of its life, the plant produces a tall, branched stalk with yellow blossoms, reaching a height of 8–9 meters (25–30 feet). This striking feature makes it a popular choice for ornamental gardening worldwide.
Agave americana: The Century Plant
- Common Names: Century plant, maguey, American aloe
- Scientific Classification: Belongs to the family Asparagaceae
- Native Range: Mexico and the United States, specifically Texas
- Global Cultivation: Widely cultivated for its ornamental value and naturalized in:
- Southern California
- West Indies
- South America
- Mediterranean Basin
- Africa
- Canary Islands
- India
- China
- Thailand
- Australia
- Misnomer: Despite being called “American aloe,” it is not related to Aloe but belongs to the same order, Asparagales.
- Lifespan: Typically lives 10 to 30 years, not a century as the name might suggest.
- Semelparous Nature: Flowers only once at the end of its life. After flowering, the plant dies but produces adventitious shoots from the base, allowing continued growth.
- Physical Description:
- Spread: 1.8–3.0 meters (6–10 feet)
- Leaves: Gray-green, 0.9–1.5 meters (3–5 feet) in length, with prickly margins and a heavy spike at the tip
- Flowering: Produces a tall, branched stalk with yellow blossoms, reaching 8–9 meters (25–30 feet) in height towards the end of its life.
Product Tag: Agave americana (Century Plant)
- Common Names: Century plant, maguey, American aloe
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Origin: Mexico and Texas, USA
- Lifespan: 10-30 years
- Size:
- Spread: 1.8–3.0 meters (6–10 feet)
- Leaves: 0.9–1.5 meters (3–5 feet) in length
- Special Features:
- Semelparous (flowers once at the end of life)
- Produces adventitious shoots from the base after flowering
- Tall flower stalk with yellow blossoms (8–9 meters/25–30 feet tall)
- Care Tips:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-drained soil
- Minimal watering required
Note: Despite its common name, Agave americana is not related to the Aloe genus.
Cultivated Worldwide: Ideal for ornamental gardening, naturalized in regions such as Southern California, the West Indies, South America, the Mediterranean Basin, Africa, the Canary Islands, India, China, Thailand, and Australia.
