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 bulliana is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a bulbous rootstock. It forms a basal rosette of usually 2 - 3 leaves that can each be 20 - 65cm tall and 13 - 80mm wide, with a flowering stem around 90 - 200cm tall[]..
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and a soap[]. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

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 N. America - central Mexico

Habitat

Dry rocky slopes or roadcuts, in pine-oak grasslands, or in shaded moist ravines; at elevations from 1,150 - 3,100 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position, succeeding in most soils of medium-fertility so long as they are well-drained. Most sspecies are undemanding as to the soil pH, though those found in the wild on limestone soils will grow better in neutral to alkaline conditions. A moderately drought-tolerant species, it grows best with moderate amounts of rain, especially in the growing seasonl[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The mashed rhizome is considered a remedy for snakebite, to be both drunk and applied to the wound[]..

The powdered seed, applied to the teeth, is believed to relieve toothache and to evacuate mucus[].

Other Uses

The roots are rich in saponins and were used for washing clothes[].

An infusion of the roots is used as an insecticide upon animals[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in a container in a light position. The fertile black seeds germinate readily and can easily be cultured in flats or pots during early stages[]. 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.
Division of the plant in the dormant season.

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