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[].

Common Name:

General Information

Agave aurea is an evergreen, short-stemmed, succulent plant forming a rosette of leaves that can be 100 - 120cm tall and 150 - 200cm in diameter. The widely arching leaves on mature plants can each be 63 - 110cm long and 7 - 12cm wide near the base. After several years of growth, a flowering stem that can be around 2.5 - 5 metres tall is produced, after which the rosette will die[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of food and fibre, and is perhaps sometimes used to make the distilled alcoholic beverage Mezcal. The plant is said to have been trialled as a commercial source of fibre, but yields were too low[].
Agave aurea is wide ranging, abundant and has no threats affecting its population. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' 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

Southwest N. America - northwest Mexico (Baja California Sur)

Habitat

Volcanic rock or mesas in xerophyllous scrub; at elevations from sea level to 1,200 metres[]

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Agave aurea is native to an arid and semi-arid region of northwest Mexico. It is not very cold-tolerant, knowing to have been damaged by temperatures falling to around -4°c[].
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

The plant is probably used locally as a source of food[]. No more information.

The plant has possibly been used to make mezcal[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the leaves is used for rope and cordage[]. The fibre is fine and of excellent spinning quality, but yields are low[]

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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