The variegated agave (Agave angustifolia variegated) is a common plant. It is not endangered, threatened, or vulnerable. Also widely grown to use in mezcal production, making it well-known and accessible.

The Variegated Agave has significant economic value. While also producing Mezcal, it is used a widely renowned for it's ornamental purposes. To add on to that, the fibers from agave can be used to make ropes and bags often seen in common things that you wear, and use everyday. Some parts of the Agave are also used for tradition medicine, and pigments of different colors. These various uses make the Variegated Agave a substantial force in several types of markets, and overall important economically. 

Traditionally the Variegated Agave has had many purposes in history specifically relating to one indigenous group to Southern Mexico. Their name is the Nahua and they call this type of Agave "metl". Typically the Nahua use Variegated Agave for fibers, like many still do today. 

In the modern day this plant also has significant uses in cultural terms. Agave-based products include Mezcal, and tequila which are a big part of the culture here in Mexico. They are also major exports of Mexico which means these alcoholic beverages are enjoyed worldwide.

The Variegated Agave has three special traits for survival. Number one is water storage in the leaves. Since this plant resides in dry conditions water is vital for its survival. Number two is the closure of the tiny pores regulating gas, and water amounts in the plant. These pores are called stomata, which are closed during different times to minimize water loss. Number three is the deep roots that help the structure and healthiness of this type of Agave. The roots stabilize the plant in harsh conditions such as rocky or sandy surfaces.

Three reasons as well consist of the advantages in evolution and the survival of these plants. Firstly Variegated Agave is drought resistance, due to its multiple traits that are mentioned in the previous box. Secondly, through effective and useful water structures, this type of plant can reproduce very fast even in harsh conditions.  The third and last being its evolutions in terms of survival advantages. These consist of leaves slowly becoming thicker to hold more water, and stomata openings becoming more efficient in regulating gas transportation. 

Variegated Agave has very close relatives such as Tequilana Agave(used for Tequila), and Agave Americana(ornamental purposes). Sharing common traits such as thick leaves, and efficient water storage it is indicated that they come from a common ancestor. Although having a related origin, the different species of Agave have honed their own environment advantages to make survival traits which resulted in the diverse population of Agave's that exist right now.