This interesting agave plant in the garden of Kevin Whale, Putaruru can be found, (mainly in North Island), and is sometimes referred to as the “century plant.” It usually lives 10 – 30 years but in most cases uniquely flowers once, then dies.
“To every thing there is a season,” but in this particular case it’s more like an age to maturity, then a swift end.
Patiently waiting…
Originally from Mexico, these plants are often used as ornamentals. We notice them suddenly, (and other plants like them), if we happen to come into contact with the sharp spike at the end of each leaf.
Handy tip – avoid the tips!
One reference states that, “its common name derives from its semelparous (characterised by a single reproductive episode before death), nature of flowering only once at the end of its long life.” The New Zealand National Pest Plant Accord lists it as a pest of medium priority. It is described as monocarpic, meaning it will bloom once in its lifetime.
We’ll keep you up to date when full flowering occurs and investigate the rumour that it’s attracted to the Purple People Eater.
The Prattler Online news about the South Waikato
