Agave – family

Agave is a genus of more than 200 plant species from Mexico and Central America. The thick, succulent, glaucous leaves are arranged in a rosette. Depending on the species it forms an odd looking spike of greenish white flowers after 8 to 16 years. This inflorescence can reach a height of up to 12 m before eventually dropping down to the ground. After flowering the plant dies. In Mexico Agave species are used for the production of fibers. The sap of Agave salmiana contains 15% sugar. It is fermented to produce “pulque”, the famous Mexican alcoholic drink.