Agave

There are many species of Agave. They are native to Mexico and the southwest of the U.S. The Agave tequilana is known as the Blue Agave or Tequila Agave.

This Agave is an evergreen succulent perennial which produces a handsome rosette of pale blue gray leaves with brown marginal teeth. It grows up to 4'-5' in height. It bears yellow flowers which blossom at the top of the stalk.

The flowers give way to seed pods and many new plantlets. As a monocarpic plant, it only blooms once in its lifetime. Adaptable to the Hawaiian climate, Agave tequilana can be found in dry, as well as in hot and humid areas.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• Plant leaves contain saponin compounds which are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immune-boosting
• In Mexico, Agave was used in the cure of snakebites
• The versatile range of agave's use is dependent upon the particular species. Uses include: food (e.g. agave syrup), textile fibers or paper, soap, medicine and tequila