SafePlants

Agave murpheyi

Agave murpheyi, commonly known as Hohokam agave, Murphey agave, or Murphey's century plant, is a succulent plant with historical significance in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agave murpheyi F. Gibson
• Family: Agavaceae
• Common Names: Hohokam Agave, Murphey Agave, Murphey's Century Plant, Maguey Bandeado
• Synonyms: Some sources list related species or similar-looking agaves, highlighting the complexity of agave taxonomy.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Agave murpheyi has thick, fleshy leaves with potentially sharp ends.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Agave murpheyi has thick, fleshy leaves with potentially sharp ends.

Distribution and Habitat

• Agave murpheyi is native to central Arizona south into Sonora, Mexico.
• It is typically found in rocky canyon areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Agave murpheyi is described as a medium-sized agave.
• It is a slow-growing agave with blue-green to yellow leaves.
• It is a perennial subshrub, shrub, or forb/herb.
• The plant freely suckers, forming cespitose rosettes.
• Leaves are ascending, typically 50-80 cm long and 6-10 cm wide, ranging from light glaucous green to yellow-green.

Ecological Role

• The text mentions it being cultivated by the Hohokam, but it does not state if it is invasive or not.

Quirky Facts

• The plant is named after a person named Murphey or Murphy.
• The agave was reportedly cultivated by the Hohokam for food and fiber.

Related Information

• Garden Guides provides information on gardening with century plants, including the Weber's Century Plant (Weberi).
• The Plant Database offers details on Agave murpheyi.