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Agave ocahui |
Description:
Agave ocahui is a
small to medium sized plant that grows to 2 feet to 3 feet
high and 3 feet wide. Plants do not offset and form a dense
ball of 150-200 leaves. Its dark green leaves are 1 foot to 1
1/2 feet long and up to 1 inch wide. The margins are toothless
and reddish brown; the terminal point is about 1 inch long and
sharp, but relatively weak. Flower spikes are 10 feet to 15
feet tall, unbranched and densely crowded with yellow flowers.
Once the plant flowers, it will die and need to be replanted.
Habitat and Distribution:
Agave ocahui is found in open, exposed sites on
cliffs and volcanic outcrops in central and eastern Sonora,
between 1,500 and 4,500 feet elevation. One population occurs
on the exposed slopes above a steep walled palm canyon in
north-central Sonora.
Culture: Agave ocahui is easy to grow.
Plants develop the best shape when grown in full sun and given
very little water. If over watered, they tend to grow large
and have a more open appearance. They will also grow more open
and leggy if planted in any shade. They are soil tolerant and
will even grow on almost pure rock. If the soil is enriched,
be sure to not overwater or plants will lose their distinctive
character. Plants should not be watered by sprinklers,
especially in winter. Winter watering should be held to a
minimum, preferably no more than once a month. The species is
hardy to at least 15 degrees and probably to 10 or lower.
Plants have a slow to moderate growth rate depending on amount
of water applied.
Uses:
Agave ocahui
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| Agave ocahui in north-central Sonora, Mexico. | Agave ocahui growing in a shallow container at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum near Tucson, Arizona. |
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