Family: Asparagaceae
Compound: Aga sch
Synonyms: Agave geminiflora var. sonorae
Geographic Origin: AZ, NM, SON
Characteristics: A mid sized, perennial succulent rosette spreading by rhizome, forming dense mats. The leaves are relatively long and narrow, and lack teeth on the margins. Instead of teeth, there may be thread or hair-like strands along the leaves. The end of the leaf is tipped with a sharp spine. Leaves are typically green, sometimes with white leaf imprints on them. When stressed, the leaves may develop darker yellow green or reddish stripes along their edges, with a lighter yellow or yellow green stripe in the center. The inflorescence is a spike, with flowers right on the stem. The bloom spikes are typically between 4-8ft (1.3-2.5m) in height. Flowers are elongated, yellow, with 6 petals and stamens sticking out beyond the petals. Fruits are 3 chambered, with many small, flat, black seeds contained within.
Natural History: Found in rocky soils, on hillsides, slopes and sometimes lower down on bajadas at elevations of 3,000-6,500ft (914-1981m). It flowers in the spring and summer, and may hybridize with sympatric Agave species in the wild, such as Agave simple, Agave chrysantha, etc.
Cultivation Notes: Agaves are widely cultivated for their attractive form, and hardiness in landscapes. This species specifically is not commonly available, but can be easily propagated from seed or offsets like other Agaves.
For seed propagation, use a well draining substrate composed of roughly 60% mineral, 40% organic material (pumice, compost). Fill a pot to an inch or more below the rim of the pot with substrate, spread seeds evenly across the surface, and lightly sprinkle substrate, or sand on top in a thin, 1-3mm (0.03-0.1in) layer. If sowing outside, water regularly enough to keep substrate constantly moist, or place pot in a humidity holding container indoors under an LED. A ziploc bag, or transparent plastic box work well for indoor germination.
If your Agave makes pups, these can be removed and placed in soil to clone the plant. Agaves can be forced to pup by damaging the meristem with a drill or other tool.
For general plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Many Agave species can be used to make food and alcohol, or fiber. Indigenous peoples selected for desired traits and created Agave “domesticates”
Today, agaves are still used for the above reasons, as well as modern landscaping due to their many attractive forms, ease of propagation, and hardiness.
Citations:
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Agave&formsubmit=Search+Terms
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Agave+schottii&f…