Flora canaria > Especies silvestres
Agave attenuata
Agave attenuata Salm-Dyck
Familia
AGAVACEAE
Pitera boba, Cuello de cisne, Trompa de elefante
Agave attenuata, commonly known as dragon agave, swan neck agave or foxtail agave, is a perennial succulent plant native to Mexico and belonging to the Asparagaceae family. It stands out notably within its genus because it has no spines along the edges or tips of its leaves. This makes it a harmless and very popular choice for garden or terrace design where there are pets and children.
It forms a dense, symmetrical rosette of soft, fleshy, arched leaves, which are light green or bluish-green (glaucous) in colour.
Over time, the rosette sheds its lower leaves and develops a thick, woody stem that can reach a height of 50 to 150 cm.
It produces a single, gigantic inflorescence (once in its lifetime) that curves gracefully towards the ground, resembling a swan’s neck or a fox’s tail, and is covered in dense clusters of yellowish flowers.
Grows in full sun or partial shade (benefits from some shade in climates with extreme summers).
Prefers warm climates. It is very sensitive to severe frost; if temperatures drop below 0 °C, it may suffer severe damage.
Moderate to low watering requirements. Water only when the growing medium is completely dry. Very drought-tolerant.
Must be well-drained. Use a well-draining cactus and succulent mix to prevent root rot.
It propagates very easily via offshoots (suckers) that sprout naturally around the base of the trunk.
La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote
Pitera boba, Cuello de cisne, Trompa de elefante
Agave attenuata, commonly known as dragon agave, swan neck agave or foxtail agave, is a perennial succulent plant native to Mexico and belonging to the Asparagaceae family. It stands out notably within its genus because it has no spines along the edges or tips of its leaves. This makes it a harmless and very popular choice for garden or terrace design where there are pets and children.
It forms a dense, symmetrical rosette of soft, fleshy, arched leaves, which are light green or bluish-green (glaucous) in colour.
Over time, the rosette sheds its lower leaves and develops a thick, woody stem that can reach a height of 50 to 150 cm.
It produces a single, gigantic inflorescence (once in its lifetime) that curves gracefully towards the ground, resembling a swan’s neck or a fox’s tail, and is covered in dense clusters of yellowish flowers.
Grows in full sun or partial shade (benefits from some shade in climates with extreme summers).
Prefers warm climates. It is very sensitive to severe frost; if temperatures drop below 0 °C, it may suffer severe damage.
Moderate to low watering requirements. Water only when the growing medium is completely dry. Very drought-tolerant.
Must be well-drained. Use a well-draining cactus and succulent mix to prevent root rot.
It propagates very easily via offshoots (suckers) that sprout naturally around the base of the trunk.
La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote
