Agave ovatifolia was first collected and distributed by Anna B. Nickels around 1894 as Agave noah. However, it was never formally described or published under this name. It was later formally described as Agave ovatifolia by Gregory Dirk Starr and José Angel Villarreal-Quintanilla in 2002.
Scientific Name
Agave ovatifolia G.D.Starr & Villarreal
Common Name(s)
Oval-leaved Agave, Whale's Tongue Agave, Whale's Tongue Century Plant
Synonym(s)
Agave noah
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Etymology
The specific epithet "ovatifolia (pronounced oh-vay-tih-FOH-lee-a)" means "having ovate leaves" and refers to the broad oval leaves.
Origin
Agave ovatifolia is native to northeastern Mexico. It occurs in the Sierra de Lampazos in northern Nuevo León, typically at elevations from 3,700 to 7,000 feet (1,130 to 2,130 m).
Description
Agave ovatifolia is an impressive succulent that forms a dense, symmetrical, and usually solitary rosette of bluish-gray leaves. The rosette can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and reach a diameter of 6.6 feet (2 m). The leaves are thick, rigid, broadly ovate, slightly cupped, and can measure up to 22 inches (55 cm) long and 11.2 inches (28 cm) wide. They are smooth and have small, curled teeth along the margins, with a dark gray to black terminal spine that can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
A mature rosette, typically between 10 and 20 years, produces a tall flower spike that can reach up to 16.4 feet (5 m) in height, usually in summer in its native habitat. The flower spike has several loosely arranged side branches, each adorned with dense clusters of greenish-yellow flowers that can reach up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in length. The following fruits are elongated, three-chamber capsules containing shiny, black moon-shaped seeds. They can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. After flowering, the rosette dies.
How to Grow and Care for Agave ovatifolia
Light: Agave ovatifolia grows well in full sun to partial shade. If you are keeping it indoors, place it near a sunny window. From spring to fall, it enjoys being outdoors.
Soil: This plant can tolerate most soil as long as it has good drainage. However, it thrives in soil that is sandy or rocky.
Temperature: During the growing season, Agave ovatifolia prefers warm and cooler temperatures while resting in winter. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 5 to 50 °F (-15 to 10 °C).
Watering: To keep this plant healthy, water it thoroughly when the soil becomes dry from spring to fall. In winter, water it sparingly, about once a month. A plant in a container will require more frequent watering than a plant in the ground.
Fertilizing: In the spring, during the first two years, give the plant a small amount of fertilizer. Once Agave ovatifolia is established, it will take care of itself, and you no longer need to fertilize it.
Repotting: If you notice the plant is becoming pot-bound, repot it with fresh soil in a new pot slightly larger than the old one. After repotting, give the plant a week or so to readjust before you water it again.
Propagation: Since it has a solitary growth habit, this plant can only be propagated by seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Toxicity of Agave ovatifolia
Agave ovatifolia is non-toxic to humans, but the sap of the leaves and inflorescence may be mildly poisonous to children and pets.
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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