Agave sisalana (Sisal, Hemp Plant, Mescal)

Scientific Name

Agave sisalana Perrine

Common Names

Sisal, Sisal Agave, Sisal Hemp, Hemp Plant, Mescal

Synonyms

Agave rigida var. sisalana, Agave amaniensis, Agave segurae

Scientific Classification

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave

Description

Agave sisalana is a perennial succulent plant, up to 6 feet (2 m) tall with short stem and sword-shaped leaves extending from basal rosette. The leaves are up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide and up to 5 feet (1.5 m) long with sharp dark brown spine at end, grey-green in color. A branched inflorescence forms atop a flower stalk up to 30 feet (9 m) tall with yellowish-green flowers up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide.

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

Native to southern Mexico but widely cultivated and naturalized in many other countries.

Links

BACK TO genus Agave
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