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 gypsophila is an evergreen, stemless, succulent plant forming a rosette of leaves that can be 80 - 100cm tall and 140 - 200cm in diameter. Mature plants can produce around 8 - 11 spiny leaves that can each be 70 - 100cm long and 8 - 19cm wide near the base. After several years of growth, a flowering stem that can be around 5 - 6 metres tall is produced, after which the rosette will die[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials.
Agave gypsophila occurs in only one known location (where it is locally abundant), and here it is under threat due to the development of infrastructures and agriculture which cause a continuing decline in the quality of its very specific habitat (gypsum soil), and the number of mature individuals. The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

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

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Range

Southern N. America - southwest Mexico (Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco)

Habitat

Tropical dry forests, growing in gypsum-rich, rocky soils; at elevations from 600 - 1,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Agave gypsophila is a plant of the semi-arid tropics of western Mexico. It grows in a region where the mean annual temperature is 22 - 26°c, and the mean annual rainfall is 1,500 - 2,000mm[].
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.
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

None known

Medicinal

The plant is antiinflammatory and is traditionally used to treat internal contusions[]

Other Uses

The flowering stems are used in the construction of rural homes[].

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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