Agave isthmensis coastal form

In the southern Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas grows the dwarf clustering Agave isthmensis. Agave isthmensis derives its name from its native range in the region of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. A coastal form can be found near Salina Cruz, Oaxaca. The plants here grow near boulders and grasses that help protect them from hot sun. Agave isthmensis had been treated as a form of Agave potatorum until 1992, when Abasaí García-Mendoza and Felipe Palma Cruz elevated it to full species status based on smaller size and smaller flowers. One other aspect of Agave isthmensis is that many of these plants produce offsets, while it is highly unusual for A. potatorum to offset. As these plants are found nearly at sea level in a tropical climate, they are likely frost sensitive. Also, because of its small size, this species is an excellent candidate for pots. Plants are in 5" and will be shipped bare root.