Mescal, Tequila
Agave tequilana

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A succulent plant. The leaves are bluish with narrow white edges. It flowers after 10-20 years. It has a very large flower stalk and then the plant dies.

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

Where it is found

In Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Central America, Mexico, North America

How it is used for food

Used for fermented drinks. It is called tequila. The roasted base of the plants is used. The sap is concentrated. The young flowers are lightly cooked then dipped in egg batter and fried.

Edible parts

Plant heart, flowers, drink

How it is grown

The sap is fermented to make a drink called tequila.

Its other names

Local names

Blue agave, Chino azul

Synonyms

Agave palmaris Trel.; Agave palmeris Trel.; Agave pedrosana Trel.; Agave pes-mulae Trel.; Agave pseudotequilana Trel.;