Agave << ah GAH vee or ah GAY vee >> is a group of desert plants known for their fleshy leaves with sharp-spined edges. The people of Mexico use the sap of certain agaves to make beverages, such as pulque, tequila, and mescal. The long, tough fibers of other agaves, such as the sisal and henequen, may be formed into thread, cord, and rope. The green leaves of the plants are used as fodder.
Certain agaves are sometimes called century plants. The name comes from the mistaken idea that agaves bloom only once in 100 years. Some agave plants flower many times. Others bloom only once and then die. But none blooms so rarely as once in 100 years.
The American agave has white or greenish flowers that grow in an open cluster on the upper portion of the stalk. The leaves die after the plant has bloomed. The roots remain alive and produce new leaves. The American agave is sometimes called the American century plant or the American aloe.
