Shaw's agave
Agave shawii

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A succulent plant. It grows 2-4.5 m tall and spreads 100-150 cm wide. It normally occurs in clusters. They leaves are green. They are slightly rough. The edges can be wavy. There are teeth along the edge. They are red-brown. They are 6-18 mm long. The flowering stalk is 2-4.5 m long. The flowers are greenish.

There are about 250 Agave species. The Agavaceae are mostly in the tropics and subtropics. This one is an endangered species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows in coastal areas in Mexico. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Mexico, North America, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The sap from the base of the the flowers is eaten.

Edible parts

Sap - flowers, stem pith

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Agave orcuttiana Trel.; Agave pachyacantha Trel.; Agave shawii subsp. shawii; Agave shawii var.. shawii;