Lecheguilla, Shin-dagger, Little lettuce
Agave lecheguilla

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A succulent plant that keeps growing for several years. It grows 60 cm high. The leaves are sword shaped and 60 cm long. They have a deep gutter. They are dark green or yellowish green. The leaves are in rings from the base. The edges of the leaves have weak spines which point downwards. It flowers at maturity. The flowers are tube shaped and yellow. They can be streaked with red. They are on a blue-grey un-branched spike. This grows 2.6-4 m tall.

There are about 250 Agave species. The Agavaceae are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. It suits arid regions. It needs full sun. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Europe, Mexico, North America, Spain, USA

How it is used for food

It would need to be cooked. It is used for pulque an alcoholic drink. The flowers are cooked with eggs and bacon.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Maguey verde

Synonyms

Agave heteracantha Jacobi [Illegitimate].; Agave lophantha var. tamaulipasana A. Berger; Agave multilineata Baker; Agave poselgeri Salm-Dyck; Agave univittata var. tamaulipasana (A. Berger) Jacobson;