Agave palmeri
Species of flowering plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Agave palmeri (also known as Palmer's century plant) is an especially large member of the genus Agave, in the family Asparagaceae.
| Agave palmeri | |
|---|---|
| |
| In Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Agavoideae |
| Genus: | Agave |
| Species: | A. palmeri |
| Binomial name | |
| Agave palmeri | |
Description
Agave palmeri is the largest Agave species growing in the United States. It produces a basal leaf rosette of fleshy, upright green leaves of up to 120 centimetres (4 feet) in length, with jagged edges and ending in sharp, thick spines of 3–6 cm (1+1⁄4–2+1⁄4 inches) long. The buds are purplish. Blooming from June to August,[3] the flowers are pale yellow and green; they are 4–5 cm (1+1⁄2–2 in) long with six segments and stamens,[3] growing on branches from the upper third of the flower spike, which can be up to 5 metres (16 ft) tall.[4][5][6]
Distribution and habitat
Cultivation
The plant is frequently cultivated as an ornamental in other regions.[9] It requires a large pot but is very tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including temperatures of around −10 °C.[10]
Uses
The plant was used by Native Americans for food, drink, fiber, soap, medicine and to make lances.[3]
