Furcraea macdougaliiMacdougals Giant Century Plant One of the most magnificent and dramatic plants in the Agave family, this species is known only from a small area in Oaxaca, Mexico, where it grows in dry scrubland with only a short rainy season. It forms a thick, straight trunk topped by a very distinct, stiffly erect crown of succulent, thick-based, toothed, dull green leaves to 2 m (7 ft.) long. Older plants can reach a height of 7 m (23 ft.) or more, making it the tallest of all Furcraea and Agave. Its massive inflorescense can reach to about 8 m (25 ft.) tall and, like with Agave, fruiting ends the life of the plant. It is rather fast growing, tolerant of some drought and will do well without additional watering in all but the driest climates. It can take light frosts without damage. Furcraea macdougalii is a much sought after ornamental but has been rather rare in cultivation for lack of propagative material. |