Agave

Morphological Summary

Agave is a genus of monocarpic succulent plants native primarily to Mexico and the southwestern United States, with some species extending into Central America and the Caribbean. Their fleshy, fibrous leaves—often armed with terminal and marginal spines—form dense rosettes that may take 10 to 30 years to flower; after producing a towering inflorescence, the mother plant dies, leaving behind offsets (pups). The genus comprises approximately 270 recognized species and holds immense cultural and economic importance: it provides fibers (sisal, henequen), alcoholic beverages (tequila, mezcal, pulque), and is widely used as an ornamental plant.