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Agave lechuguilla

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Agave lechuguilla
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Species:
A. lechuguilla
Binomial name
Agave lechuguilla
Synonyms[3]
  • Agave lechuguilla f. glomeruliflora (Engelm.) Trel.
  • Agave poselgeri Salm-Dyck
  • Agave heteracantha Jacobi, illegitimate
  • Agave multilineata Baker
  • Agave lophantha var. tamaulipasana A.Berger
  • Agave univittata var. tamaulipasana (A.Berger) Jacobson

Agave lechuguilla (common name in Chihuahua: lechuguilla, meaning "small lettuce") is an Agave species found only in the Chihuahuan Desert. The plant flowers once in its life and then dies.

Description

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The plant reproduces most often through underground offshoots, creating large colonies.[4] 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 3.7 metres (12 feet) in height.[4] The flower clusters are located at the top and are funnel-shaped in purples, reds, and yellows.[4] The plant dies after flowering in May–July.[4][5] 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

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Charles Wright first collected the plant in 1849 and it was described by John Torrey in 1859.[4]

Distribution and habitat

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It is an indicator species in the Chihuahuan Desert, the only place it is found.[6] It typically grows on calcareous soils.[7]

Ecology

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The plant makes up a large part of the diet of the collared peccary (javelina) in some areas.[8] Additionally, the flowers are a source of nutrients for insects, bats, and some birds. The plant is toxic to cattle and sheep, however.[9]

Uses

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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 (commonly called ixtle).[5] Roots of the plants were used as soap by Native Americans.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Hernández Sandoval, L.; Zamudio, S.; González-Elizondo, M.; Hernández-Martínez, M.; Matías-Palafox, M.; Sánchez, E. (2019). "Agave lechuguilla". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T44393414A125198188. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T44393414A125198188.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Agave lechuguilla". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2011-05-02.
  3. ^ Kew World Checklist
  4. ^ a b c d e f Morey, Roy (2008). Little Big Bend : Common, Uncommon, and Rare Plants of Big Bend National Park. Lubbock: Texas Tech University Press. p. 37. ISBN 9780896726130. OCLC 80359503.
  5. ^ a b Spellenberg, Richard (2001) [1979]. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers: Western Region (rev ed.). Knopf. p. 325. ISBN 978-0-375-40233-3.
  6. ^ West, Steve (2000). Northern Chihuahuan Desert Wildflowers. Globe Pequot. p. 44. ISBN 978-1-56044-980-5.
  7. ^ Turner, Matt (2009). Remarkable Plants of Texas: Uncommon Accounts of Our Common Natives. Austin: University of Texas Press. pp. 109–113. ISBN 978-0-292-71851-7.
  8. ^ Corn, J. L. and R. J. Warren. (1985). Seasonal food habits of the collared peccary in South Texas. Journal of Mammalogy. 66:1 155-59.
  9. ^ Lechuguilla. Archived April 3, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Toxic plants of Texas. Texas A&M.

Further reading

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