The Century Plant and CLHS
The Century Plant is found in the cactus garden. It is there intentionally,
and it brings variation to the garden.
Kingdom: Plantae
Common Name:
Century Plant
Scientific Name: Agave americana
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Liliales
Family: Agavaceae
Genus: Agave
Species: americana var. variegata
Natural Range
The Century Plant is native to Mexico. It requires
very well-drained soil and a sunny position. The plant lives for a number
of
years withouth
flowering,
but the rosette dies once it does flower. It does, however, normally produce
plenty of suckers during its life.
Interesting Facts
The Century Plant is very rich in saccharine
matter and can be eaten when baked. The seed is ground into a flour and used
for a thickener in soups or when making bread. The sap serves as an antiseptic.
The juice of the leaves is applied to bruises. The plant is also used in
the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, constipation, jaundice, and dysentary.
The Century Plant and CLHS
The Century Plant is found in the cactus garden. It is there intentionally,
and it brings variation to the garden.