The genus Agave is treated here in a wide sense to include taxa previously treated as belonging to the genera Manfreda, Prochnyanthes, Polianthes and Pseudobravoa. Not all botanists are happy with this treatment, with some feeling that these genera should remain distinct, at least until further studies have been carried out. In addition, given the high species diversity found in Agave, some feel that an alternative approach could be the recognition of several smaller genera within the current circumscription of Agave[].
There has been considerable confusion between this species and Agave angustifolia. We have followed the treatment of Garcia-Mendoza and Chiang (Brittonia Vol 55 No.1 pp82-87. 2003)[] who treat Agave angustifolia as a distinct species, separate from Agave vivipara and with a distinct range[]. By this treatment, all references for Agave viviparum with a range covering central America should refer to Agave angustifolia since this species is native only to the islands of the Caribbean[].

Common Name:

General Information

Agave vivipara is a stemless, evergreen, succulent plant forming a large, rosette of leaves up to 100cm tall and, eventually, a flowering stem that can be up to 5 metres tall.
Many, if not all, of the reports on the uses of this species actually refer to Agave angustifolia. To date we have not found any reports that definitely refer to this species. Since Agave angustifolia is very similar, it is quite possible that both species have similar uses[].
Agave vivipara is being threatened by urban and tourism development and its habitat is being reduced. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

Many Agave species have strong, sharp spines on the leaves and leaf tips.
In theory at least, the flowers, nectar, immature flowering stem and the centre of the rosette of all Agave species is edible and, with proper preparation, can provide a sweet, tasty foodstuff. Some species, however, contain relatively high levels of saponins (which makes them taste bitter) and some other compounds which can cause bellyache, and so these would only be eaten in times of desperation. In addition, many people may find these foods to be strongly laxative the first few times they eat them[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern Caribbean - Aruba, Netherlands Antilles, Venezuelan Antilles

Habitat

Xxerophytic scrub, at elevations from sea level to 200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Agave species are found mainly in the arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern N. America, especially in Mexico, extending from the warm temperate zone to the tropics often at moderate elevations. Many species can withstand at least a few degrees of frost, but only in drier regions and where soils are very well-drained.
Agave species generally require a sunny position, succeeding in most soils of medium-fertility so long as they are very well-drained. Most species are undemanding as to the soil pH, though those found in the wild on limestone soils will grow better in neutral to alkaline conditions. Plants are generally very tolerant of dry conditions and of extended periods of drought[].
Most Agave species are monocarpic, individual rosettes living for a number of years without flowering before sending up an often very large flowering stem and then dying after flowering and setting seed. This species, however, produces a number of new rosettes from suckers or offsets during its lifespan and these new plants will continue to grow after the death of the parent plant. Over time, some species can form extensive clonal colonies by this means[].
Individual plants take about 7 - 15 years in their native habitat, considerably longer in colder climates, before flowering[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Many, if not all, of the reports on the uses of this species actually refer to Agave angustifolia. To date we have not found any reports that definitely refer to this species. Since Agave angustifolia is very similar, it is quite possible that both species have similar uses[]. Below are the uses listed for Agave angustifolia:-

Flower buds and flowers[].

Young flower peduncles[].

Stems[].

Leaf bases[].

Fruit[].

The flowering stems are cooked and their juice extracted, fermented, and distilled into alcoholic beverages[].
The sap can be concentrated into a sweet syrup known as 'Agave Nectar' or 'Agave Syrup'[].

Medicinal

Many, if not all, of the reports on the uses of this species actually refer to Agave angustifolia. To date we have not found any reports that definitely refer to this species. Since Agave angustifolia is very similar, it is quite possible that both species have similar uses[]. Below are the uses listed for Agave angustifolia:-

The juice of the cooked leaves and stems, and a root infusion, are taken internally or used as poultices for both internal and external swelling, as well as for bruises, liver and kidney diseases, arthritis, and dysentery[].

The roots are diaphoretic and diuretic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Many, if not all, of the reports on the uses of this species actually refer to Agave angustifolia. To date we have not found any reports that definitely refer to this species. Since Agave angustifolia is very similar, it is quite possible that both species have similar uses[]. Below are the uses listed for Agave angustifolia:-

Often planted in hedges[].

Other Uses

Many, if not all, of the reports on the uses of this species actually refer to Agave angustifolia. To date we have not found any reports that definitely refer to this species. Since Agave angustifolia is very similar, it is quite possible that both species have similar uses[]. Below are the uses listed for Agave angustifolia:-

A fibre from the leaves is used for making rope[].

The leaves are used for thatching[].

The spines on the leaves are used as nails or needles[].

The flowering stem can be used as posts, rafters, and fences[].

The root contains saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[].

The sticky sap of the leaves is added to whitewash to make it adhere to walls[].

The dried plant is burnt for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in a container in a light position. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15 - 20°c[, ]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of well-drained soil when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position until they are at least 10cm tall before planting out.
Offsets and suckers can be potted up at any time they are available.
Bulbils, where produced, are an easy method of propagation. Simply pot them up and plant out at the beginning of a growing season when they are 10cm or more tall.

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