Verschaffelt agave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Verschaffelt agave |
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The Agave potatorum, also known as the Verschaffelt agave, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. This plant is a succulent, meaning it stores water in its leaves. It's also a perennial, which means it lives for more than two years. You can find this agave growing naturally in the desert areas of Mexico, from the state of Puebla all the way south to Oaxaca.
The name potatorum comes from Latin words meaning "of the drinkers" or "for drinking." This name was given because the plant is widely used to make a traditional Mexican drink called mezcal. Because so much of it is used, this agave is now considered a threatened species.
This special plant has even won an award! The Royal Horticultural Society gave it their Award of Garden Merit. This award means it's a great plant for gardens.
What Does Agave potatorum Look Like?
The Agave potatorum grows in a shape called a basal rosette. Imagine a big, round cluster of leaves that all grow from the center, close to the ground.
Its Unique Leaves
- The plant has between 30 and 80 flat leaves.
- These leaves can grow up to 1 foot (about 30 cm) long.
- They have short, sharp, dark spines along their edges.
- Each leaf ends in a needle-like tip, which can be up to 1.6 inches (about 4 cm) long.
- The leaves are usually a pale, silvery white color.
- Towards the tips, the green flesh of the leaves can fade into pretty lilac or pink shades.
Its Tall Flower Spike
When the Agave potatorum is ready to bloom, it sends up a very tall flower spike. This spike can reach an amazing 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) in height! Pale green and yellow flowers bloom on this impressive stalk.
See also
In Spanish: Agave potatorum para niños
