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].

General Uses: The plant contains saponins. An extract of the leaves is used as a soap[2]. The roots are used according to another report[238]. It is likely that the root is the best source of the saponins that are used to make a soap[K]. Chop up the leaves or the roots into small pieces and then simmer them in water to extract the saponins. Do not overboil or you will start to break bown the saponins[K]. There is a report that the plant has insecticidal properties, but further details are not given[218, 238]. A very strong fibre obtained from the leaves is used for making rope, coarse fabrics etc[2, 61, 92, 238]. A paper can also be made from the leaves[2]. The thorns on the leaves are used as pins and needles[2]. The dried flowering stems are used as a waterproof thatch[2] and as a razor strop[89]. The plants are used in land-reclamation schemes in arid areas of the world[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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