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 paniculata is a freely suckering, herbaceous perennial, producing clusters of sometimes short-stemmed (to 40cm) rosettes from a thick, succulent rootstock. Around 20 - 70 leaves are produced on mature rosettes, with individual leaves around 20 - 55cm long and 2 - 10cm wide. The flowering stems can be 175 - 300cm tall, often producing bulbils as well as flowers. The plant is semi-evergreen, with most leaves dying in the dry season[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. The species is often cultivated in Mexican villages far from the natural populations, both for its medicinal benefits and 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 - southern Mexico (northeast Yucatán)

Habitat

Open habitats with limestone rocks in secondary tropical subdeciduous forests, often associated with sinkholes ('cenotes') or lakes; at elevations from 5 - 130 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

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, usually suckers freely to produce a cluster of rosettes of different ages, and these continue to grow until they also reach the flowering stage[].
The plant often produces bulbils on the flowering stem[].
This species is fairly tolerant of damge from fires, usually regrowing from the roots if the top is killed off[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are used in the treatment of headaches[], and also to treat headlice.

Other Uses

Many species of plants formerly recognized as Manfreda, and now included in Agave (sensu lato) have large succulent roots that are rich in saponins and are used traditionally as a soap and shampoo[]. We have no specific indormation for this species, but it is likely to have been used in that way[].

Many species of plants formerly recognized as Manfreda, and now included in Agave (sensu lato) have large succulent roots that are rich in saponins and are used traditionally as a soap and shampoo[, ]. We have no specific indormation for this species, but it is likely to have been used in that way[].

A superior fibre is possibly obtained from this species[].

Propagation

Seed -

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