Agave utahensis eborispina Century plant (Agavaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Agave utahensis eborispina
Century plant
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Agave utahensis eborispina plant species is found in Southwestern N. America It is a member of the Agavaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Century plant.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Agave utahensis eborispina
Common Name:  Century plant
Family:  Agavaceae
Author:  (Hester.)Breitung.

Known Hazards:  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:  4   Mature Width:  2

Habitat:  Dry stony limestone slopes, 1000 - 1500 metres.

General Uses: The leaves contain saponins and an extract of them can be used as a soap[2]. It is best obtained by chopping up the leaves and then simmering them in water - do not boil for too long or this will start to break down the saponins[K]. A very strong fibre obtained from the leaves is used for making rope, coarse fabrics etc[2, 61, 92]. To make hair brushes and brushes for cleaning, the dried matter of a dead and rotten leaf was knocked free from the fibres, which were then bent in two. the upper end of this brush was wrapped with a cord and the bent portion was covered with a cloth. The loose fibres were cut to the right length and hardened by burning the ends[257]. A paper can also be made from the fibre in 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].

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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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