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 hauniensis is a stemless, herbaceous perennial plant, with leaves that are probably evergreen. Growing from a branched, rhizomatous rootstock, it produces a cluster of leaves 45 - 95cm long and 4 - 12cm wide, with flowering stems that can be 2 - 3.5 metres tall[].

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 and southern Mexico (Michoacán, México, Morelos, Guerrero, Oaxaca)

Habitat

Lava fields, rocky slopes in juniper, oak and pine-oak and tropical deciduous forests or in full sun in
glades; at elevations from 700 - 2,150 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.75 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The rhizome is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[, ].

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 plant.

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