Agave (Agavaceae)
The genus Agave consists of around 100 species of rosette-forming succulent perennials, which are natives of the Americas, with most species in Mexico. These plants spend several years building up a large rosette until it is large enough to flower. Although the rosette dies after flowering, it leaves suckers or produces plenty of seed. The flowers of Agave are generally small, yellow, brown, or greenish, with six tepals and six long stamens. Many species are grown as ornamentals, but A. sisalana is an important fibre plant, widely grown in semi-arid areas, and A. tequilana is used to make tequila.