Agave : exotic ornamental plant

For many people familiar with local plants, knowing about exotic ornamentals is valuable. Each one has unique traits. Understanding the agave plant prevents mistakes for gardeners and florists.

What does an agave look like, and where does it grow? Agave is a succulent often mistaken for cactus or aloe. Despite looking similar, agave has unique qualities. Its tissues store water, helping it survive tough conditions. These tissues sit inside thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves grow from a dense stem.


Agave thrives in South America, Mexico, and the southwestern USA. It is a genus with many species. One notable type is Agave tequilana, used to make tequila. Agave pulp is sweeter than sugar. Many agave plants have thorns on their leaves. The leaves form a rosette shape. Flower stalks grow very long.

Agave flower stalks are remarkably long. Agave only blooms once in its life. It can grow on Crimea's southern coast and other Black Sea areas. But there, it is smaller than in its native lands. Agave is mainly a houseplant. In Mexico, its other uses are well known. They use it for sweeteners and fiber.