Scientific Name
Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana (Wooton & Standl.) B.Ullrich
Synonym(s)
Agave neomexicana, Agave parryi var. neomexicana
Common Name(s)
New Mexico Agave, New Mexico Century Plant, Trailer Park Mescal
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "neomexicana" (pronounced "nee-oh-meks-ih-KAY-nuh") means "from or pertaining to New Mexico". It refers to New Mexico, a state in the southwestern United States, where this subspecies was first discovered.
Origin
The native range of Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana extends from southeastern New Mexico and western Texas in the United States into Coahuila and Chihuahua in Mexico.
Description
Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana is an ornamental succulent that forms rosettes of ascending, lance-shaped, gray-green leaves with sharp teeth along the margins and a dark brown terminal spine. The rosettes can grow up to 1.5 feet (45 cm) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, usually accompanied by offsets around the base. The leaves can measure up to 1.5 feet (45 cm) long and 2.4 inches (6 cm) wide. This subspecies has slightly thinner, shorter leaves than Agave parryi subsp. parryi. Also, it has more open rosettes, larger flowers, and a greener, less glaucous coloration.
The mature rosettes, 8 to 20 years, send up a tall spike adorned with tufts of flowers on many lateral branches, usually in summer. The flower spike can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. The flowers are yellow to yellowish-green and red to orange in bud. The fruits are oblong capsules that can reach up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in length and contain black seeds. The rosettes die after setting fruits.
How to Grow and Care for Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 5a to 10a: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 35 °F (+1.7 °C).
Agaves are not difficult plants 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. If, however, 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. Most species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and 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 being disturbed.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
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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