Amaryllidaceae - Botanical Family

Botanical name: Adenium sp.

Common name: 'Black Amaryllis' Desert Rose

Cultivar: 'Black Amaryllis'

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Adenium 'Black Amaryllis' striking double flower with deep crimson edges blending into creamy white, resembling a painted amaryllis. A true showstopper for warm, sunny spots.

Botanical name: Agapanthus sp.

Common name: African Lily

Family: Amaryllidaceae    (Formerly:Alliaceae / Liliaceae /Amaryllidaceae)

Subfamily: Agapanthoideae

Origin: South Africa

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Sky blue funnel-shaped flowers occur in many-flowered cymes on long, erect stems. Agapanthus is originating from Southern Africa. Both deciduous and evergreen, some have thick, strappy leaves and others grass-like foliage. They range from fully hardy to half hardy, with the evergreen varieties generally the most tender.

Botanical name: Agave americana

Common name: Century plant

Family: Asparagaceae    (Formerly:Agavaceae / Amaryllidaceae)

Subfamily: Agavoideae

Origin: Mexican highlands

Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant, is a striking succulent renowned for its dramatic, spiky leaves and towering flower stalk that can reach heights of up to 30 feet. Native to Mexico, this hardy plant is celebrated for its adaptability to arid environments and its ability to produce a spectacular bloom just once in its lifetime, typically after several decades. Its versatility extends beyond ornamental use, as it has been traditionally utilized for its fibers, sweet sap, and medicinal properties.

The genus of more than 200 species of rosette-forming, mostly monocarpic, or sometimes perennial succulents from the desert and mountainous regions of the Americas. The most popular Agave is the Century Plant, so-called because of the mistaken belief that it flowers only once every 100 years. There are two colorful varietis - Agava americana marginata (green leaves edged with yellow) and Agava americana mediopicta (cream leaves edged with green). These plants produce leaves 3 or 4 feet long, and their size makes them unsuitable for an ordinary room. In winter watering this plant can be done once every 1-2 months, there is no need to mist the leaves.

Botanical names: Agave amica, Polianthes tuberosa

Common name: Tuberose

Family: Asparagaceae    (Formerly:Agavaceae / Amaryllidaceae)

Subfamily: Agavoideae

Origin: Mexico

The Tuberose grows in elongated spikes up to 45 cm (18 in) long that produce clusters of fragrant waxy white flowers that bloom from the bottom towards the top of the spike. It has long, bright green leaves clustered at the base of the plant and smaller, clasping leaves along the stem.

Tuberose may grow wild in Mexico and surrounding countries, but the cultivation of tuberose is usually in Morocco, the Comores Islands, France, Hawaii, South Africa, India, and China.

Long-lasting as a cut flower in water (with lots of changes.)Most flowers begin to lose their scent when they are picked. Not so with tuberose, like jasmine, the heady floral scent continues to produce itself. In Ayurvedic medicine, attars are held in high esteem not only for their exquisite fragrance, but their healing properties. Tuberose is known to improve one's capacity for emotional depth.

See Article about Polianthes tuberosa.

Botanical name: Agave angustifolia

Common name: Agave Maguey Lechugilla

Cultivar: 'Marginata'

Family: Asparagaceae    (Formerly:Agavaceae / Amaryllidaceae)

Subfamily: Agavoideae

Origin: Mexico

Agave angustifolia Marginata, more commonly known as the Agave Maguey Lechugilla, is a small shrub native to Mexico. This spiny or thorny succulent is popular for its ornamental foliage and grows between 2-5 feet in full sun, and in dry conditions. This is a hardy succulent, suitable for use in xeriscaping and is grown in USDA zone 9-11.

Agave Maguey Lechugilla, like most succulents, will produce best results in well-draining soil. Watering should be done sparingly and with care, as too much water can lead to the plant's death. When water is necessary, it should be done deep and slow. During the winter months, when growth is at a minimum, water should be reduced even more.

In cold regions, where freezing temperatures are expected, the best way to grow Agave Maguey Lechugilla is in a pot. Containers should also ensure adequate drainage, and during the hot summer months should be moved to a sunny spot outdoors and brought inside during winter.

Overall, the Agave Maguey Lechugilla is an attractive and hardy plant. When growing conditions are provided and cared for, the plant will grow to a maximum of 5 feet. Foliage is normally very ornamental, and is sure to be a winning addition to any xeriscape or cacti garden.