Agave parviflora

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Agave parviflora
Agave parviflora 1.jpg
Status TNC G3.svg
Vulnerable  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Species:
A. parviflora
Binomial name
Agave parviflora

Agave parviflora is a species of succulent perennial flowering plant in the asparagus family, known by the common names Santa Cruz striped agave, smallflower century plant, and small-flower agave. It is native to Arizona in the United States and Sonora in Mexico. [2]

Contents

Description

Osaka Prefectural Flower Garden, Osaka, Japan Agave parviflora 5.jpg
Osaka Prefectural Flower Garden, Osaka, Japan

The specific epithet parviflora means "small-flowered". [3]

Agave parviflora produces a small rosette, measuring up to 25 cm (10 in) tall by 20 cm (8 in) wide. The spine-tipped succulent leaves are up to 20 cm (8 in) long and a waxy, dark-green hue, with white markings. The leaf margins have hair-like, naturally "peeling" threads (part of the leaves), similar to species such as A. filifera. After several years, the plant produces an inflorescence around 1–2 m (3–7 ft) tall with cream or pale yellow flowers in summer. [4] The flowers are pollinated by bees such as bumblebees, and are also popular amongst hummingbirds when fully opened. [2] In full bloom, other pollinating birds (such as sunbirds) and butterflies also are attracted by this agave. [5]

Agave parviflora can grow for between 10-15 years prior to ever flowering. [6] When it flowers, it sends a roughly 7 foot (2.13 m) high, asparagus-resembling stalk into the sky, with light yellow or cream-colored flowers. Prior to the flowers having opened, fresh Agave inflorescences bear an appearance not unlike that of an edible asparagus (albeit oversized), showing the close relation between the two genera and the placement of Agave within the Asaparagaceae family. The flowers come in groups of 1-4 flowers, mostly in spring. After blooming, the agave dies. [7] The fruit are small, ovoid capsules, between 6-10 millimeters in diameter; seeds are wedge-shaped and half-round. [8] The plant has slow to moderate growth, as does most of its genus. The leaves are strongly whorled and grow tightly around ramets, and are also narrow and stiff, tapering to a sharp point. The texture of the plant is medium coarse. If the roots are chronically damp, A. parviflora might develop black root rot ( Thielaviopsis basicola ). [9] Root rot can spread and cause a health plant to turn to "mush". Additionally, like all agaves, and some other asparagales, the agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) can be a problem if not detected and eradicated early-on; [10] this small black beetle, with its distinctive long "snout" appendage, lays it eggs in the core of the agave plant, often one that has developed some amount of root rot or is receiving excessive irrigation. The eggs then hatch and the maggots consume the agave itself, killing it. Extra amended drainage material (pumice, perlite, sand) is vital in their substrate, as well as proper airflow and growing out-of-doors, where (and when) appropriate; less organic matter, and more inert, rocky material, is best for cultivating healthy agave plants.

Subspecies of the plant include ssp. parviflora [11] and ssp. densiflora. [12]

Distribution and Habitat

It grows in semi-desert grasslands, oak woodlands, and other dry and rocky places. [9] It is a rare species that has limited distribution in Arizona and parts of Northern Mexico. The state of Arizona considers Agave parviflora as endangered and protects it as highly safeguarded. The US Forest Service designated it as a Sensitive Species. Since this species is federally endangered, it is illegal to collect this plant. [6] It commonly grows at elevations between 3,000 to 5,000 feet (900 to 1,520 m). [7]

Cultivation

This species is the smallest agave in Arizona and is sought by collectors. For this reason the species has declined in its native habitat. There are only about two dozen natural populations in Arizona. Other threats to the species include road construction and mining. [2] However, because the population appears to be stable and it grows in several protected areas, it is not considered by the IUCN to be threatened. [1]

The plant is valued in cultivation and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. [13] [14]

Uses

The leaves and the heart of the plant are baked and eaten. This species is the sweetest and most edible of Agave . However, it is commonly not eaten as it is also the smallest of its genus. It is used to make the distilled liquor Mezcal. Mezcal can be made out of any Agave species, although around 7 species are the most common and favorited. [15]

Related Research Articles

<i>Lythrum salicaria</i> Species of plant

Lythrum salicaria or purple loosestrife is a flowering plant belonging to the family Lythraceae. It should not be confused with other plants sharing the name loosestrife that are members of the family Primulaceae. Other names include spiked loosestrife and purple Lythrum. This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and Asia, and possibly Australia.

<i>Agave americana</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant, maguey, or American aloe, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Asparagaceae. It is native to Mexico and the United States, specifically Texas. This plant is widely cultivated worldwide for its ornamental value and has become naturalized in various regions, including Southern California, the West Indies, South America, the Mediterranean Basin, Africa, the Canary Islands, India, China, Thailand, and Australia.

<i>Agave parryi</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave parryi, known as Parry's agave or mescal agave, is a flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. It is a slow-growing succulent perennial native to Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico.

<i>Cleistocactus strausii</i> Species of cactus

Cleistocactus strausii, the silver torch or wooly torch, is a perennial flowering plant in the family Cactaceae. It is native to mountainous regions of Department Tarija, Bolivia, at 1,500–3,000 m (4,921–9,843 ft).

<i>Agave attenuata</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave attenuata, commonly called the foxtail or lion's tailagave or the swan's neck agave, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. Sometimes called the soft-leaf or soft-leaved agave, the aforementioned animal-related names are a nod to the appearance of the plant's inflorescence, which—after years, generally—rises slightly before gravity brings it back down, giving the bloom a curved, "swan"-like or "foxtail" look. The species' specific manner of flowering is unique in the genus Agave as most other species produce a towering, vertical display, reminiscent of a miniature tree.

<i>Dasylirion wheeleri</i> Species of flowering plant

Dasylirion wheeleri is a species of flowering plant in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), native to arid environments of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States.

<i>Agave victoriae-reginae</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave victoriae-reginae, the Queen Victoria agave or royal agave, is a small species of succulent flowering perennial plant, noted for its streaks of white on sculptured geometrical leaves, and popular as an ornamental.

<i>Hesperaloe parviflora</i> Species of flowering plant

Hesperaloe parviflora, also known as red yucca, hummingbird yucca, redflower false yucca and samandoque, is a succulent plant in the Asparagaceae family that is native to the Chihuahuan and Coahuilan deserts of Northern Mexico, as well as Central, Southern and Western Texas; today, it is often seen in roadside planting swathes and public areas, or used for corporate or office exterior landscaping. It is also quite popular in collector gardens and among private gardeners who are striving for a more water-wise approach.

<i>Agave</i> Genus of flowering plants closely related to yucca

Agave is a genus of monocots native to the arid & meso regions of the Americas. The genus is primarily known for its succulent and xerophytic species that typically form large rosettes of strong, fleshy leaves. Agave now includes species formerly placed in a number of other genera, such as Manfreda, ×Mangave, Polianthes and Prochnyanthes.

<i>Tamarix parviflora</i> Species of flowering plant

Tamarix parviflora is a species of tamarisk known by the common name smallflower tamarisk.

<i>Agave filifera</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave filifera, the thread agave, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to Central Mexico from Querétaro to Mexico State. It is a small or medium-sized succulent plant that forms stemless rosette up to 3 feet (91 cm) across and up to 2 feet (61 cm) tall. The leaves are dark green to a bronzish-green in color and have very ornamental white bud imprints. The flower stalk is up to 11.5 feet (3.5 m) tall and is densely loaded with yellowish-green to dark purple flowers up to 2 inches (5.1 cm) long. Flowers appear in autumn and winter.

<i>Agave stricta</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave stricta, the hedgehog agave, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to Puebla and Oaxaca in Southern Mexico. Growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall, it is an evergreen succulent with rosettes of narrow spiny leaves producing erect racemes, 2 m (7 ft) long, of reddish purple flowers in summer. The foliage may develop a red tinge in the summer. The plant is also known to produce pincushion-like offsets as it grows.

<i>Agave macroacantha</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave macroacantha, the black-spined agave or large-thorned agave, is a species of succulent flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae naturally occurring in Oaxaca and also near the town of Tehuacan in the State of Puebla, Mexico.

<i>Agave palmeri</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave palmeri is an especially large member of the genus Agave, in the family Asparagaceae.

<i>Agave potatorum</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave potatorum, the Verschaffelt agave, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. A smallish and attractive succulent perennial, it is native to partial desert areas of Mexico from Puebla south to Oaxaca.

<i>Agave shrevei</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave shrevei is a member of the family Asparagaceae, indigenous to the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico, along the boundary between the states of Chihuahua and Sonora. Two subspecies are currently recognized, although a third has been proposed.

<i>Crassula ovata</i> Species of succulent

Crassula ovata, commonly known as jade plant, lucky plant, money plant or money tree, is a succulent plant with small pink or white flowers that is native to the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, and Mozambique; it is common as a houseplant worldwide. Much of its popularity stems from the low levels of care needed; the jade plant requires little water and can survive in most indoor conditions. It is sometimes referred to as the money tree; however, Pachira aquatica also has this nickname.

<i>Agave atrovirens</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave atrovirens, called maguey verde grande is a type of century plant native to Oaxaca, Puebla and Veracruz states in Mexico. It is the largest of all the Agaves, occasionally reaching a weight of two long tons. Each succulent leaf can be up to 14 feet 9 inches in length and weigh one hundred pounds (45 kg) apiece. In the variety A. a. cochlearis these leaves can also be up to 16 inches (41 cm) wide. As in other Agaves the leaves form a rosette, from the center of which, after many years, a panicle of flowers emerges on a long scape or peduncle which at first looks like a vast stalk of asparagus, but later grows to more than forty feet in height, develops side branches near the top and numerous flowers which open red and gradually turn yellow. Agave salmiana, the species with the tallest inflorescences, is frequently lumped with A. atrovirens as the varieties A. a. salmiana or A. a. sigmatophylla. If this is valid, then A. atrovirens also has the tallest inflorescences of any Agave, and of any known plant. Each rosette flowers and fruits once, then dies. According to Fayaz this is one of the species which makes offsets or "pups". A. atrovirens is one of the pulque agaves used in the production of mezcal.

<i>Sempervivum ciliosum</i> Species of succulent

Sempervivum ciliosum, the Teneriffe houseleek is a species of flowering plant in the succulent stonecrop family, Crassulaceae, native to the Balkans and Southeastern Europe. Despite a superficial resemblance, houseleeks are not closely related to the American cacti family. A colony-forming evergreen perennial plant, each individual rosette can grow to around 7.5 cm (3.0 in) high and wide, forming dense mats of up to 50 cm (20 in) wide.

<i>Agave gigantensis</i> Species of flowering plant

Agave gigantensis is a large, flowering agave plant found in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Its name is derived from the area of origin, not its large size. The plant is distinguishable by its red and purple leaves during flowering season. It is able to survive in harsh, rocky conditions and prefers dry and warm environments. The flowers of A. gigantensis are arranged in small clusters which diverge from a main branch. Unlike many other agave plants, A. gigantensis has been traditionally used in food and medicine by communities of western Mexico.

References

  1. 1 2 Hodgson, W.; Puente, R.; Salywon, A. (2020). "Agave parviflora". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020: e.T115689669A116354298. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T115689669A116354298.en . Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 "Center for Plant Conservation - Saving Endangered Plants". Center for Plant Conservation. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  3. Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN   9781845337315.
  4. RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN   978-1405332965.
  5. "Search Tree Collections". apps.cals.arizona.edu. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  6. 1 2 "Smallflower Century Plant". www.fs.usda.gov. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  7. 1 2 WoS (2017-07-02). "Agave parviflora (Smallflower Century Plant)". World of Succulents. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  8. "Agave parviflora". www.llifle.com. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  9. 1 2 "Scientific: Agave parviflora (Synonyms: Agave parviflora ssp. parviflora, Agave hartmanii)". www.public.asu.edu. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  10. Baldwin, Debra Lee. "Agave Snout Weevil Treatment and Prevention".
  11. Agave parviflora. Flora of North America.
  12. Starr, G. and T. R. Van Devender. (2011). Agave parviflora subspecies densiflora. A newly found treasure from the Sierra Madre in Eastern Sonora, Mexico. [ permanent dead link ]Cact Succ J (US) 83(5) 224-31.
  13. "RHS Plant Selector - Agave parviflora" . Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  14. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. November 2018. p. 3. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  15. "Agave parviflora - Useful Temperate Plants". temperate.theferns.info. Retrieved 2023-08-21.