Agave albescens

The type locality for Agave albescens is Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The plants are found growing at or near sea level among the coastal scrub, on the drier southeastern side of the island. The small to medium sized, light blue-gray rosettes have scabrous, or sand papery-like leaves with purplish black to black marginal spines. Over time, these rosettes can sparingly offset, forming small clumps. Agave albescens' 12-15' paniculate inflorescence holds many bright yellow flowers on branches that begin low on the peduncle, or flower stalk. Agave albescens is rare in cultivation. Habitat photos courtesy of Julia Etter.