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[].
This species, and several others closely related to it, are quite dissimilar in appearance to most other members of the genus. In particular, they grow from a fleshy rootstock, have soft leaves and are drought-deciduous. They have at times been deemed sufficiently distinct from the Agave genus to be given their own specific name, Manfreda[].
The taxon Agave scabra Salm-Dyck (first published in 1859) is a synonym of Agave asperrima Jacobi.

Common Name:

General Information

Agave scabra is a herbaceous perennial plant forming a rosette of leaves from a thick, fleshy rootstock. Around 12 - 15, soft, thin leaves are produced that can each be 25 - 35cm long and 2 - 4cm wide near the base, and often lie flat on the ground. The slender flowering stem can be 100 - 200cm tall. The plant loses its leaves and becomes dormant in dry seasons[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of soap. The rhizomes of this and several other closely related species used to be highly valued for their use as a soap. They were sold in large quantities in local markets all round the country[].

Known Hazards

The roots contain saponins and are used as a barbasco, or 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

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Range

Central America - Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala to central Mexico

Habitat

Rocky slopes or in meadows, most often in oak or pine-oak forests, but also in tropical deciduous forests, thorn forests, (semi-) evergreen forests, cloud forests; at elevations from 100 - 3,100 metres[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bats, Hawkmoths, Hummingbirds
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Agave species are found mainly in the arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern N. America, especially in Mexico, extending from the warm temperate zone to the tropics often at moderate elevations. Many species can withstand at least a few degrees of frost, but only in drier regions and where soils are very well-drained.
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, produces a number of new rosettes from suckers or offsets during its lifespan and these new plants will continue to grow after the death of the parent plant. Over time, some species can form extensive clonal colonies by this means[].
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

None known

Other Uses

The fleshy roots are rich in saponins and form a lather when crushed in water[]. They are said to be used in Guatemala, especially by the indigenous peoples of the highlands, for washing textiles. They are used also for shampooing the hair because it is believed locally that they prevent baldness, a trait that is not very common amongst them[, ].

The flower stalks are used as arrow shafts[].

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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