Agave bovicornuta facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cowhorn Agave
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Asparagaceae
Subfamily:	Agavoideae
Genus:	Agave
Species:	A. bovicornuta
Binomial name
Agave bovicornuta H. S. Gentry
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Agave bovicornuta is a fascinating plant often called the Cowhorn Agave. It's a type of Agave, which are spiky plants known for living in dry places. You can find this plant growing in the mountains of Mexico, especially in the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, and Sinaloa. The name "Cowhorn Agave" comes from the unique red spines along the edges of its leaves, which look a bit like cow horns!

What is the Cowhorn Agave?

The Cowhorn Agave grows as a single plant, forming a round shape called a rosette. It doesn't usually send out small "baby" plants from its base. When it blooms, it grows a tall stalk, up to 150 centimeters (about 5 feet) high. Yellowish-green flowers appear on top of this stalk.

Where Does It Live?

This agave is native to the Sierra Madre Occidental, a mountain range in western Mexico. It thrives in the wild areas of Chihuahua, Sonora, and Sinaloa.

Why is it Important?

The Tarahumara people, who live in the areas where this plant grows, sometimes eat its leaves. However, they usually prefer other types of agave plants for food.

Protecting the Cowhorn Agave

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists the Cowhorn Agave as "Vulnerable." This means it's at risk of becoming endangered or even disappearing. Even though it grows across a wide area, the groups of plants are small and spread out. They are also at risk because people sometimes collect too many of them or use them for food.

Gallery

See also

In Spanish: Agave bovicornuta para niños