Agave guiengola Gentry
Guiengola agave
Agave guiengola is little known outside specialist circles, yet has a truly singular appearance: its leaves are unusually wide, flat, and pale grey-green to almost whitish, giving it a ghostly look very different from most agaves. It was described by Howard Scott Gentry and named after the Sierra de Guiengola in Oaxaca, its only known locality. It adapts to tropical dry forests and rocky calcareous soils, tolerating extreme heat and prolonged droughts.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Open rosette, medium-sized, with few (20–40) very wide and flat leaves. Produces basal offsets. Short stem. |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient (DD) — IUCN. Extremely restricted distribution in the Sierra de Guiengola (Oaxaca). Insufficiently assessed. |
| pH Target | 7.0–8.5 |
| Type | Rocky calcareous, very well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Broadly oblanceolate to spatulate, 40–70 cm long, 12–18 cm wide at mid-section, flat or slightly concave; pale grey-green to glaucous with heavy waxy pruinescence. Robust terminal spine 3–5 cm, brown; margins with corneous teeth up to 1 cm.
ecoYellowish-green, 5–6 cm, in an open panicle on a 4–6 m scape. Single terminal bloom after 10–20 years.
ecoShort caudex (10–20 cm) of considerable diameter. In old plants may be visible and woody.
ecoExtensive shallow root system; penetrates limestone rock crevices. Fleshy roots that store water.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Rocky calcareous, very well-drained
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
O
U
Every 4–6 years; very infrequent given its slow growth.
One annual application of low-nitrogen mineral fertilizer in spring. Never in winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Spines and leaf teeth are physically hazardous. Slightly irritating sap. No systemic toxicity reports.
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Plant Health
Phytophthora crown rot — the species is especially sensitive given its origin in naturally very well-drained soils. Symptoms: soft, yellowing basal leaves.
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.) — frequent in pot cultivation conditions; inspect roots at repotting.
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) — risk in outdoor collections; preventive monitoring recommended.
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"Species of punctual distribution: the Sierra de Guiengola is also a Zapotec archaeological site, adding cultural value to this plant. Specimens in cultivation are scarce outside Mexico; its rarity makes it a prized piece for agave collectors."
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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.