Scientific Name
Agave macroacantha Zucc.
Common Name(s)
Black-spined Agave
Synonym(s)
Agave besseriana, Agave flavescens var. macroacantha
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Origin
Agave macroacantha occurs naturally in Oaxaca and near Tehuacan in Puebla, Mexico.
Description
Agave macroacantha is a slow-growing succulent that forms dense clumps of stemless or short-stemmed rosettes of glaucous blue-green narrow leaves with dark brown, irregularly spaced teeth and an almost black terminal spine. The rosettes grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter. Leaves are thick, fleshy, and sword-shaped, up to 14 inches (35 cm) long and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. The terminal spine is up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
The mature rosette, at least 15 years old, produces a slender, branched in the upper 1/4, up to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall inflorescence with clusters of green flowers with a purple tinge. The flowers are up to 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) long, with fusiform, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long ovary. Fruits are oblong dark brown capsules with triangular dull black seeds. They are up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. When the rosette begins to flower, the center leaves take on an attractive reddish hue.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Agave is not a difficult plant to grow. They are 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. On the other hand, if you're the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might be the way to go. Be aware that some 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, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. This is because most species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and take long to outgrow their pot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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