The Maguey cactus (Agave americana) is also known as the "Century Plant" because it blossoms only once during its 10 - 30 year life, then dies... but what a blossom: up to 10 m/32 ft high
There's lots to talk about, but my favorite fact: it's in the same family as asparagus.
(📷: Alvesgaspar)
There's lots to talk about, but my favorite fact: it's in the same family as asparagus.
(📷: Alvesgaspar)
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An alcoholic drink called 'pulque' was made by the Mexica ("Aztecs") from the sweet juice ('aguamiel') at the heart.
They also used it for paper making, rope and clothing.
A once-in-a generation bloom for each plant before it dies, and I saw *two* of them today in the median of a local street, so that's bound to be good luck.
(📷: Jenny Sparks)
For most agave species, pollination is by insect, bat, or bird, and they attract these pollinators with nectar, mostly opening at night. Seed dispersal is by wind.
As usual, I'm having to abbreviate the story here substantially to fit it in. There's a Maguey goddess, and an alternate name (likely Nahuatl) for the beverage: "octli".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayahuel
My fav aspect of them is how much the tarantula hawk wasps love their blooms. If you’ve never looked up New Mexico’s state insect, definitely do so.