Agave lechuguilla

Agave lechuguilla is an Agave species found only in the Chihuahuan Desert. The plant flowers once in its life and then dies.

Description

The plant reproduces most often through underground offshoots, creating large colonies. It also can flower at any time after the plant has reached three to 21 years of age, producing a leafless stalk that can reach in height. The flower clusters are located at the top and are funnel-shaped in purples, reds, and yellows. The plant dies after flowering in May–July. The leaves are long, tough, and rigid, with very sharp, hard points that can easily penetrate clothing and even leather, giving the colloquial name "shin-daggers".

Taxonomy

first collected the plant in 1849 and it was described by John Torrey in 1859.

Distribution and habitat

It is an indicator species in the Chihuahuan Desert, the only place it is found. It typically grows on calcareous soils.

Ecology

The plant makes up a large part of the diet of the collared peccary in some areas. Additionally, the flowers are a source of nutrients for insects, bats, and some birds. The plant is toxic to cattle and sheep, however.

Uses

The water stored in the flowering stalks of this plant, rich in salts and minerals, is sold in Mexico as a sport drink. Native Mexicans have used fibers from the leaves. Roots of the plants were used as soap by Native [Americans in the United States|Native Americans].