What is agave, you might be asking? Well, for starters, agave is NOT a cactus; it is a succulent from the lily family. It is the heart, called the piña, of the agave plant that is harvested to make agave spirits. The piña is harvested when ripe, which typically takes 7-14 years, but for some agaves, it can take up to 20-40 years. Unlike grapes, for instance, once the heart is harvested, the plant dies.
This is perhaps the most commonly asked question for people who are just discovering the agave spirit category. There are some similarities between the two, but also many differences. In short, all tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequila.
Agave plants are a popular type of succulent, known for their striking rosette shapes and spiky leaves. But did you know there are actually hundreds of different agave species and varieties in the world? From rare gems to common landscaping plants, the agave family contains impressive diversity.
So just how many different types of agave are there? Over 200 species of agave have been identified so far. The exact number is still being researched, but estimates range from 270 to over 300 types Let’s take a closer look at these captivating succulents!
Key Traits of Agave Plants
While agaves display wide variation in size, color and form, they share some signature characteristics:
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Rosette shape: The leaves radiate outward from a central point rather than growing upright.
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Spiny margins: The edges of the leaves feature small to large spines for protection.
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Spiked tips: A sharp terminal spine crowns the end of each leaf.
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Succulence: The leaves are thick and fleshy to store water.
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Fibrous leaves: Agaves like sisal contain strong, stringy fibers in the leaves.
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Slow growth Agaves take years to reach maturity depending on the species
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Spike bloom: A tall central bloom spike emerges when agaves flower.
Most Common Agave Species
While there are many rare and unusual agaves, certain species stand out for their popularity and availability:
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Agave americana: The classic large century plant with blue-green leaves.
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Agave attenuata: A unique tree-like variety with a curved trunk.
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Agave tequilana: This agave is used to make tequila in Mexico!
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Agave victoriae-reginae: Considered one of the most beautiful with white-striped leaves.
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Agave vilmoriniana: The octopus agave with twisting tentacle-like leaves.
Criteria for Distinguishing Agave Types
With so many different agaves, how do botanists tell them apart? Some key distinguishing features include:
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Leaf characteristics like color, shape, thickness, and spines
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Overall size and form – short, tall, solitary, clumping
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Where the species naturally occurs geographically
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Whether the plant remains solitary or spreads through “pups”
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The size and shape of the bloom stalk and flowers
Agaves for Landscaping Uses
Many agaves work beautifully in hot, dry climates where other plants struggle. Some good landscape choices include:
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Agave parryi: A compact rosette good for rock gardens.
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Agave murpheyi: Dramatic striped foliage.
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Agave americana: Classic large accent plant.
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Agave desmettiana: Clumping type that spreads.
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Agave victoriae-reginae: Eye-catching coloration.
The Takeaway
From spiky to soft, giant to tiny, agaves display incredible diversity. Over 200 unique species have adapted to thrive in arid regions of the Americas. Whether you’re a collector seeking rare specimens or a gardener needing hardy succulents, there’s an agave perfectly suited for your needs!
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What is agave, you might be asking? Well, for starters, agave is NOT a cactus; it is a succulent from the lily family. It is the heart, called the piña, of the agave plant that is harvested to make agave spirits. The piña is harvested when ripe, which typically takes 7-14 years, but for some agaves, it can take up to 20-40 years. Unlike grapes, for instance, once the heart is harvested, the plant dies.
This is perhaps the most commonly asked question for people who are just discovering the agave spirit category. There are some similarities between the two, but also many differences. In short, all tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequila.
GEOGRAPHY & SPECIES DIFFERENCES
– Tequila can only be made in designated areas in the following states of México: Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Tamaulipas. The vast majority of tequila is produced in Jalisco in regions designated as the Highlands also called Los Altos or the Valley previously called Lowlands.
– Only one type of agave allowed: Agave tequiliana Weber. It is more commonly known as Blue Weber or Blue Agave.
– There are 8 states in México which are allowed to produce mezcal. If it isn’t made there, you cannot call it mezcal. The states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Durango, Tamaulipas, and recently added Michoacán, are the designated areas. The vast majority of mezcals on the market are from Oaxaca, but this is slowly changing.
– There are at least 24 different types of agave (and counting) used, including the Agave tequiliana Weber used in tequila production. As you would expect, much like different grapes for wine, the agave impart their own particular flavor profile dependent on the species used. Espadín is the most common agave used, but arroqueño, barril, tepextate, tobalá (the list goes on) are becoming more available along with ensambles (blends).
Mezcal
30 Types Of Popular Agave Plant Pictorial Guide
FAQ
How many varieties of agave are there?
There are more than 200 species of agave
The majority of agave species are found in Mexico. Many are threatened, especially wild varieties, due to increased large-scale production and demand for tequila and mezcal. Bats are the main pollinators of agave.
How many types of agave are used for tequila?
Out of the 200 or so agave varieties, Mezcal can be made from about 30 of them. This may sound limited, but 30 is so much more than Mezcal’s cousin, tequila, which can only be made from one type of agave: blue weber agave.
Is there a difference between 100% agave and 100% blue agave?
100% Agave Tequila
Agave tequila is the pure version of tequila. It is also known as 100% blue agave. This type of tequila utilizes sugar that comes purely from blue agave. That’s where it derives its name from.
What type of agave is the best?
Taste and consistency: Amber Agave has a richer flavor and a slightly thicker consistency. Light Agave is heated less, resulting in a sweetener that does not add any flavor to your recipes. Amber Agave is processed a little longer to get the darker color and richer flavor.
How many types of agave are there?
There are over 200 types of agave plants, but only a few are commonly used in landscaping. The most popular agaves for landscaping include the century plant, blue agave, and Spanish Dagger. Each type of agave has its own unique characteristics that make it perfect for certain situations. How do I identify agave?
What is the most popular agave plant?
There is no single most popular agave plant; however, certain varieties are more popular than others because of their high commercial value or their aesthetically pleasing qualities. Blue agaves are popular for use in tequila production, while century plants and fox tail agaves are often cultivated for use as ornamentals in landscaping.
What do agave plants look like?
Agave plants have thick, sword-like leaves that are sharply pointed at the end. The leaves are typically green or blue, and may have a variegated pattern. The flowers of agave plants are very dramatic, and can be up to six feet in diameter. They grow on a tall stalk from the center of the plant, and are typically a bright yellow or orange.
Is agave a succulent?
Agave plants are succulents that come from the agave family. They are known for their thick, fleshy leaves and striking appearance. Agave plants can be used in a variety of ways, both indoors and outdoors. They make great additions to gardens or indoor landscapes, and can also be used as hedges or borders. How many types of agave are there?
What are some examples of agave plants?
Agave potosina B.L.Rob. & Greenm. – NE. Mexico Agave potreriana Trel. – Mexico Agave promontorii Trel. – Baja California Sur Agave quilae (Art.Castro & Aarón Rodr.) Thiede & Govaerts – Mexico (Jalisco) Agave rhodacantha Trel. – Mexico Agave rovelliana Tod. – Texas Agave sanpedroensis W.C.Hodgs. & Salywon – Arizona Agave schottii Engelm.
What is a giant agave?
The ferocious giant agave has a powerful name and the form to match. It can grow to heights of ten feet and above and it has ferocious spines that are hooked and can be quite painful. The leaves are thick and broad, and the plant can produce yellow flowers. 7. Foxtail Agave