Giant agave
Agave salmiana var. ferox
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
An agave. It is a large succulent plant. It grows 1-1.5 m tall and spreads 1.2-1.5 m wide. The leaves are in a ring from the base. They are shiny, fleshy and green. The tip has a spine. There are hooked black-brown spines along the edge. The flowering stalk is 5 m tall. The flowers are green to yellow.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in open areas on sand or clay soils. It grows in the lowlands and up to 1,800 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Indonesia, Mexico (country/location of origin), SE Asia
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Central bud
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds or suckers.
Its other names
Local names
Agave raksasa, Pulque agave