English name: Schott's century plant, shin dagger, Amole, Amolillo
Scientific name:Agave schottii var. schottii
Country of origin: United States (southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico), Mexico (Sonora, northwestern Chihuahua)
Description
Among members of genus Agave, has small seeds and is an evergreen succulent plant with a rosette height width of 30 cm or less. In its natural habitat, it is observed in high density and clustered within 1 m width. Leaf width is 0.6–1.3 cm and length 25–50 cm. The leaves are thin and straight and range from yellowish green to green. The edges of the leaves are brown, have no thorns, and have brittle fibers growing sparsely. The number of leaves is relatively small (20–40). The flower stalk is 1.5–2.5m. Bats and bees are involved in pollination. In general, it grows naturally in areas with altitude of 900 m or higher. It has strong cold tolerance and can grow at −12°C or higher. Propagation is performed by seeding or new bulbs.
Contains sapogenin. Indigenous peoples used it as clothing detergent and shampoo.
References
Genty, H.S. 1972. The Agave Family in Sonora. Agriculture Handbook. No.399. Agriculture Research Service, United States Department of. Agriculture, Washington, D.C., USA. (http://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/CAT87209091/PDF)
Gentry, H.S. 1982. Agaves of Continental North America. The University
of Texas Press, Tuscon, Arizona, USA.
Irish, M., Irish, G. 2000. Agave, Yuccas, and Related Plants: A Gardener’s
Guide. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, USA.
