Agave kerchovei Lem.
Kerchove's Agave
Agave kerchovei is a medium-sized agave native to the arid valleys and calcareous slopes of southern Puebla and the Valley of Oaxaca. It forms compact to medium rosettes with rigid green to grey-green leaves bearing prominent lateral teeth that give it a robust, armed appearance. It has been used by local indigenous communities for fibre extraction to make ropes and crafts. It is well adapted to degraded calcareous soils and semi-arid climates, where it often colonises stony hillsides alongside cardons and nopals.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Compact to medium rosette, acaulescent or very short-stemmed, monocarpic. Typical diameter 60–120 cm. Produces few offsets. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) – IUCN. Relatively common within its range in degraded habitats. |
| pH Target | 7.0–8.0 |
| Type | Calcareous sandy-gravelly, well-drained, low in organic matter |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate, rigid, 40–80 cm long and 5–10 cm wide, green to grey-green. Margin with brown to grey corneous teeth, irregularly spaced, 5–12 mm long. Terminal spine 3–5 cm, dark brown.
ecoYellowish-green, 6–8 cm, arranged in panicles on a scape 4–7 m tall. Flowers only once at the end of its life (10–20 years). Pollinated mainly by bats and nocturnal moths.
ecoAcaulescent or with very short stem. Medium-sized piña, less exploited for mezcal than other species. The woody trunk can be used as fuel.
ecoShallow and extensive root system, specialised in capturing scarce seasonal rain. Very efficient in porous calcareous soils. Roots may associate with arbuscular mycorrhizae.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Calcareous sandy-gravelly, well-drained, low in organic matter
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
P
I
Every 3–4 years; tolerates compressed roots well.
Slow-release mineral fertilizer (low in nitrogen) once a year in spring. Do not fertilize in autumn or winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Low. Spines and teeth physically hazardous. Sap with small concentrations of saponins.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Phytophthora spp.)
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.)
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus)
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"Robust species, very tolerant of adverse conditions. Good candidate for revegetation projects on degraded land in semi-arid areas of Oaxaca and Puebla. Its cold tolerance (−8 °C) makes it more versatile than other Oaxacan species."
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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.