Agave lechuguilla
Species of plant endemic to Chihuahuan Desert
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Agave lechuguilla (common name in Chihuahua: lechuguilla, meaning "small lettuce") is an Agave species found only in the Chihuahuan Desert. The plant flowers once in its life and then dies.
| Agave lechuguilla | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Agavoideae |
| Genus: | Agave |
| Species: | A. lechuguilla |
| Binomial name | |
| Agave lechuguilla | |
| Synonyms[4] | |
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Description
The plant reproduces most often through underground offshoots, creating large colonies.[5] It also can flower at any time after the plant has reached three to 21 years of age, producing a leafless stalk that can reach 3.7 metres (12 feet) in height.[5] The flower clusters are located at the top and are funnel-shaped in purples, reds, and yellows.[5] The plant dies after flowering in May–July.[5][6] The leaves are long, tough, and rigid, with very sharp, hard points that can easily penetrate clothing and even leather, giving the colloquial name "shin-daggers".
Taxonomy
Charles Wright first collected the plant in 1849 and it was described by John Torrey in 1859.[5]
Distribution and habitat
It is an indicator species in the Chihuahuan Desert, the only place it is found.[7] It typically grows on calcareous soils.[8]
Ecology
The plant makes up a large part of the diet of the collared peccary (javelina) in some areas.[9] Additionally, the flowers are a source of nutrients for insects, bats, and some birds. The plant is toxic to cattle and sheep, however.[10]
Uses
The water stored in the flowering stalks of this plant, rich in salts and minerals, is sold in Mexico as a sport drink. Native Mexicans have used fibers from the leaves (commonly called ixtle).[6] Roots of the plants were used as soap by Native Americans.[5]
