In Chiapas, Mexico on arid limestone around 3000' occurs Agave pygmaea. Howard Gentry states that the diminutive habit may be a result of the arid limestone habitat in which it grows. In culture, as Gentry speculated, it has grown larger, from small to medium sized. However, the differing floral characteristics and distinctive leaf form has made it easily recognizable despite the size variability. Agave pygmaea has experienced temperatures as low as 28 degrees without damage in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Far left is a muted/striated variegated form. Middle image is a plant in habitat. Plants are currently in 5" & will be shipped bare root.
