Family: Asparagaceae
Compound: Aga chr
Synonyms: Agave palmeri var. chrysantha
Geographic Origin: AZ
Characteristics: A large, perennial succulent rosette, with varying compactness. The leaves are large, blue-green to green and linear or lanceolate. The surface of the leaf may be smooth and waxy or somewhat textured. The edges are lined with sharp, hardened black, brown, or grey teeth which are often curved in various directions. The leaf narrows to a hardened point similar to teeth on the margins. The inflorescence is a panicle, first resembling a giant piece of asparagus emerging from the center of the plant, and developing into a huge, branched structure, capable of reaching 7m (22ft) in height. The individual flowers are yellow, tube-like, with grooves and a widened top and stamens emerging from the end. Fruits are oblong with distinct chambers each with rows of flat, black seeds.
Natural History: Found in rocky soils, on hillsides, slopes and sometimes lower down on bajadas at elevations of 914-1829m (3,000-6,000ft). It flowers in the spring and summer, and may hybridize with sympatric Agave species in the wild, such as Agave parryi, Agave schottii, 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?tid=3057&taxauthid=1&clid=0