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 guttata is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a bulbous rootstock with a fleshy, contractile root. It produces rosettes of usually 2 - 7 lanceolate, semi-succulent leaves around 17 - 34cm long and 12 - 35mm wide, and a flowering stem 60 - 160cm tall. The plant spreads by means of rhizomes to form a cluster of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a soap. At one time commonly used as a soap in Mexico, where it used to be harvested in large quantities and sold in markets[]

Known Hazards

The corm is rich in saponins and has been used as a fish poison[].
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

Open grassy roadsides, rocky fields, summit of hills, roadcuts, in oak, pine-oak and tropical deciduous forests, desert scrub and grasslands, at elevations from 1,220 - 2,440 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The crushed corm is used as a remedy to treat rabies in domestic animals[].

Other Uses

The rhizomes are rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[]. The soap was prepared soap by mashing the rootstocks between stones, adding a small amount of water, and allowing them to soak. The resulting liquid was then drained off into the wash water. Often the rootstocks were dried for storage and grated as needed[].

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.
Division of the clump in the dormant season.

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