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Agave cupreata

Scientific Name: Agave cupreata

Family: Agavaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Agave cupreata: The Dwarf Cowhorn Agave

Agave cupreata, commonly known as the Dwarf Cowhorn Agave, is a captivating succulent native to specific regions of Mexico. This article explores its characteristics, habitat, and uses.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant possesses strong, sharp teeth along the edges of its leaves.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Agave cupreata Trel. &amp A. Berger
  • Common Name: Dwarf Cowhorn Agave
  • Family: Asparagaceae
  • Synonyms: The text references Agave cupreata Trel. et Berger, which can be considered a synonymous form.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Agave cupreata is endemic to the mountain slopes of the Rio Balsas basin in the Mexican states of Michoacán and Guerrero.
  • It thrives at elevations between 1200-1800 meters in cooler forested areas.
  • It is naturally distributed in the Balsas Depression, a semiarid region.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It's a medium-sized, non-suckering agave, reaching 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.
  • The leaves are broad and pale green, or gray-green in the 'Gray Form' variety.
  • The leaves have strong, sharp, copper-colored teeth.
  • Forms a rosette, and when finished, the rosette does not exceed 1.2m in diameter.

Uses

  • Agave cupreata is used to produce mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage.

Genetic Information

  • Variation among Agave cupreata populations is likely due to rearrangements in the large and small chromosomes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mention of Fundacion Agaves Silvestres AC. Agaves in Peril suggesting an organization exists that focuses on the conservation of agaves in the wild.

Further Resources

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Agave cupreata.
  • Encyclopedia of Life provides information on Agave cupreata within the Asparagaceae family.
  • International Plant Names Index lists Agave cupreata Trel. &amp A.Berger.
  • Plant Delights Nursery offers photos and potentially sells plants.