Scientific Name
Agave cantala (Haw.) Roxb. ex Salm-Dyck
Common Names
Bombay Aloe, Cantala, Cantala Fibre, Cebu Maguey, Manila Maguey
Synonyms
Furcraea cantala
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave cantala is an evergreen, succulent, perennial plant up to 8.2 feet (2.5 m) tall, forming a rosette of leaves up to 6.5 feet (2 m) long. Towards the end of its life the plant puts up a flowering stem up to 26 feet (8 m) tall.
How to Grow and Care
Agave is not a difficult plant to grow. They're slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you're the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. If, however, you're the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might the way to go. Be aware that some of the large varieties will eventually outgrow your room (unless you have a large greenhouse), and Agave can be aggressive. They have irritating sap and sometimes very sharp thorns that can cause injuries to small children and even pets. In general, Agave do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and will take a long time to outgrow their pot. It's also best to handle your Agave as little as possible, since they do not like to be disturbed… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Uses
Man has been harvesting and utilizing Agaves for approximately 9,000 years. The huge plant comprised a huge part of primitive man's diet. Closely related to lilies there are three major parts which are edible: flowers, stalks or basal rosettes, and the sap. Leaves are a lesser edible part of the plant… – See more at: Century Plant – Edible Agave.
Origin
Probably native of Mexico. It is commonly grown in southeastern Asia from the Philippines to India.
Links
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