Agave cupreata Trel. & A.Berger
Copper agave
Maguey papalote is an agave endemic to the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range in the Mexican states of Guerrero and Michoacán. Its common name refers to the spread of its leaves resembling a kite (papalote in Mexican Spanish). It is one of the most important species for artisanal mezcal production in the region, and its flower buds display coppery to reddish hues that give it its English name. It is listed on the IUCN Red List as a threatened species due to overharvesting for mezcal and habitat loss.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Solitary monocarpic rosette with slow growth. Flowers once after 10–25 years then dies. Occasionally produces basal offsets. |
| Conservation Status | Endangered (IUCN EN). Protected under Mexico's NOM-059-SEMARNAT. Subject to harvest regulation for mezcal production. |
| pH Target | 5.5–7.0 |
| Type | Sandy loam to rocky, acidic to neutral pH, low organic matter |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate, 60–100 cm long and 8–14 cm wide at the base, grey-green to blue-green. Margins bear corneous reddish-brown teeth; stout terminal spine 3–5 cm, dark-colored.
ecoSpike inflorescence 5–8 m tall. Tubular flowers yellow-green with coppery lobes when opening, arranged in umbellate clusters on the upper peduncle.
ecoShort, nearly stemless, 20–40 cm, very fleshy, with tissue rich in fermentable carbohydrates (piña). The roasted piña is the raw material for mezcal papalote.
ecoShallow and extensive root system with fibrous roots spreading radially up to 3 m to capture moisture from seasonal rains.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy loam to rocky, acidic to neutral pH, low organic matter
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
S
O
Every 3–4 years or when roots have completely filled the container.
Minimal fertilization. One application of low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) in spring is sufficient.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Moderately toxic. Sap may cause contact dermatitis. Do not ingest raw leaves. Spines are physically hazardous.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Fusarium spp., Phytophthora spp.) from overwatering or poorly drained substrates
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.) in leaf axils and at the base of the rosette
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) — larvae bore into the piña causing total plant collapse
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"Mezcal papalote produced in Guerrero holds a denomination of origin. The species is under pressure from excessive harvesting — wild specimens take decades to reach reproductive maturity. In cultivation, avoid harvesting the piña before flowering to allow the individual to complete its cycle and produce seeds or offsets."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.