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Agave parryi

Accession Count: 12
Common Name: Huachuca agave
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Family Name: Asparagaceae
Botanical Name: Agave parryi
Synonyms:
Botanical Synonyms: Agave huachucensis, Agave applanata var. huachucensis
Family Synonyms: Agavaceae
Sub Species:
Variety: huachucensis
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics: Agave parryi var. huachucensis is a perennial, freely suckering, and compact succulent that forms tight rosettes. It has wider, more robust growth, spinier leaves, and reaches larger sizes than the straight species Agave parryi (1). Leaves are dull gray, oblong, rigid, and arranged in globose clusters (2). Additionally, they are ovate to lanceolate, flexible, acutely triangular, in a decurrent form, with teeth growing in size toward the end of the leaves (3). Each leaf is tipped with a recurved red or gray spine (2) that reaches 3.5 cm long (3). The Huachuca agave forms a branched flowering spike that can reach 3 m and dies after flowering, with larger flowers than Agave parryi (4). The inflorescence includes dense bunches of yellow flowers that taper from base to tube, with nectary bordering the tube (3), followed by dehiscent fruits.
Compound: Aga par hua
Geographic Origin: Arizona, New Mexico, Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History: The earliest collection of Agave parryi var. huachucensis was done by Cyrus Guernsey Pringle in 1884, in the Huachuca Mountains of the Coronado National Forest (3). In 1888, the species was then mentioned by John Gilbert Baker in Handbook of the Amaryllideae, including the Alstroemerieae and Agaveae (5). However, it was considered to be a different species. Until 1943, huachucensis was not recognized as a variety of Agave parryi, and was called Agave huachucensis or Agave applanta var. huachucensis. The variety was not officiated until it was included by Luther Little in the American Journal of Botany 30(3): 235, 1943 (6). Now Agave parryi var. huachucensis is the accepted name. However, two authorities are often included with the plant’s botanical name, as Agave parryi var. huachucensis (Baker) Little.
Because of the similarities to Agave parryi, many consider A. huachucensis to not be differentiated enough to qualify as a new variety (1). Additionally, there is the belief that the Huachuca agave may be the original Agave parryi, and not a variegated form (7). Yet, since 1943, the variation huachucensis is officially accepted as a legitimate form, despite current discussion.

Because Agave. huachucensis originated in the Coronado National Forest, it has been very closely affiliated with the University of Arizona. In fact, many official specimens of the Huachuca agave were collected by the University of Arizona's Herbarium Manager, George Ferguson, for the Missouri Botanical Garden, with duplicates included at U of A (6). These can be viewed in the Herbarium, along with numerous other species.
Cultivation Notes: Agave parryi var. huachucensis can adapt to a variety of soils, but grows best in very-well drained sand or gravel. When potted, a very porous soil is necessary, with excellent drainage (8). If grown in full sun or indirect afternoon shade, and the correct soil, the succulent will grow moderately quickly (9), and may outgrow most containers. Allow ample room for growth in all sites, and do not place near walkways, to account for the sharp spines and irritating sap (8). For fertilization, manures must be avoided – only use fertilizer designed for succulents, possessing a low nitrogen content (1). This variety of Agave parryi is very cold hardy (USDA zones 5-11), and it is not necessary to water during the winter (1). It is additionally drought tolerant and forgiving of high temperatures, but grows best under 100 degrees Fahrenheit (2).
For propagation, it is possible to use rhizomes, tubers, corms, bulbils, or seeds (10). However, if using seed, protect agave from insects in order to maximize seed production, and sow after the last frost (2).
Ethnobotany: Agave parryi var. huachucensis has been used in a similar fashion to the straight species, valued for the production of soap, fiber, tools, food, and medicine. The crowns were used as an important food source by the Mescalero Apache tribe, with cultural significance placed on the appearance after roasting (9).
The large flowering stalk has been used by Indigenous people in the creation of shelters and as a farming tool, while the cortex of the root has been boiled to create a red dye, used in war-paint and to color cloth (2). In addition, it is possible to derive Mescal, Pulque, and tequila from this variety, although Agave americana is more frequently used for the production of alcohol.
Height: 0 - 5 feet
Width: 0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season: ForeSummer
Flower Season: ForeSummer
Color: Yellow
Function: Patio
Spread: Spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Toxic
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Low water Use
Citations:
  1. The Encyclopedia of Succulents. Retrieved March 6th, 2020.
  2. The University of Arizona Libraries. Retrieved March 6th, 2020.
  3. Gentry, H. (1972) Agriculture Handbook, Issue 399. Department of Agriculture, 1972.
  4. Gardenia. Retrieved March 6th, 2020.
  5. Baker, J. (1888) Handbook of the Amaryllideae, including the Alstroemerieae and Agaveae. New York Botanical Garden, 1888.
  6. Tropicos. Retrieved March 6th, 2020.
  7. San Marcos Growers. Retrieved March 6th, 2020.
  8. Plants Database. Retrieved March 6th, 2020.
  9. Southwest Desert Flora. Retrieved March 6th, 2020.
  10. Dave’s Garden. Retrieved March 6th, 2020.
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Agave parryi