Agave americana Agave (Agavaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Agave americana
Agave
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Agave americana plant species is found in Southwestern N. America. Naturalized in the Mediterranean[11]. It is a member of the Agavaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Agave.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Agave americana
Common Name:  Agave
Family:  Agavaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Contact with the fresh sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[218, 238]. The plants have a very sharp and tough spine at the tip of each leaf. They need to be carefully sited in the garden.

Mature Height:  7.5   Mature Width:  2.5

Habitat:  Original habitat is unknown but it grows wild in Mexico on cultivated land and in pine woods[11].

Medicinal Information: The sap of agaves has long been used in Central America as a binding agent for various powders used as poultices on wounds[254]. The sap can also be taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery etc[254]. The sap is antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic and laxative[21, 218, 240]. An infusion of the chopped leaf is purgative and the juice of the leaves is applied to bruises[218]. The plant is used internally in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, constipation, jaundice and dysentry[238]. The sap has disinfectant properties and can be taken internally to check the growth of putrefactive bacteria in the stomach and intestines[21]. Water in which agave fibre has been soaked for a day can be used as a scalp disinfectant and tonic in cases of falling hair[21]. Steroid drug precursors are obtained from the leaves[238]. A gum from the root and leaf is used in the treatment of toothache[218]. The root is diaphoretic and diuretic[240]. It is used in the treatment of syphilis[218, 240]. All parts of the plant can be harvested for use as required, they can also be dried for later use. The dried leaves and roots store well[238].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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