Agave mapisaga Trel.
Map Agave
Agave mapisaga is one of the most important pulque agaves of the central Mexican highlands. Its cultivation predates the pre-Hispanic era and was fundamental to the economy and culture of the Valley of Mexico and surroundings. It is a very large plant, potentially exceeding 2 m in rosette height and producing spikes of up to 10–12 m. Unlike Agave americana, its leaves are narrower with a deeper green color. The name 'manso' (tame) reflects its relatively small marginal spines and less aggressive teeth compared to other species.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Large robust rosette, generally solitary or with few basal offsets. Very slow-growing; may take 15–25 years to flower. Produces a colossal paniculate spike before dying. |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable in the wild; most existing populations are cultivated or semi-cultivated. Depends almost entirely on human management for reproduction, as it produces few offsets and its seeds have low viability under modern conditions. |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Highland volcanic soils, clay-loam to sandy-loam, well-draining |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lance-channelled, 1.2–2 m long and 15–20 cm wide at the base, deep glossy green to grey-green; margins with horny teeth 5–10 mm, dark chestnut; conical terminal spine 4–6 cm, very hard.
ecoYellowish-green, 7–9 cm long, very numerous on a branched paniculate inflorescence; the spike can reach 10–12 m in height and persist for several months.
ecoShort massive caudex, up to 50 cm in diameter; contains aguamiel (sugar-rich sap) extracted by scraping the heart for pulque production.
ecoDeep and extensive fibrous roots; in well-drained soil they can reach several meters in depth and radius, providing excellent anchorage.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Highland volcanic soils, clay-loam to sandy-loam, well-draining
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
S
P
Only for young specimens; adults are grown directly in the ground or in very large containers without frequent repotting
Apply slow-release granular fertilizer (NPK 10-5-20) once a year in spring; do not fertilize plants in the process of flowering
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Fresh sap can cause contact dermatitis; spines are mechanically hazardous. Not internally toxic in traditional consumption forms (fermented pulque).
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
Root and crown rot (Fusarium spp.) in excessive moisture conditions
Longtail mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus) at leaf bases
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus): devastating in adult plants about to flower
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"A. mapisaga was the primary pulque crop of the Valley of Mexico for centuries. With the decline of the pulque industry in the 20th century, its cultivated populations declined drastically. Ex situ conservation and recovery of traditional knowledge associated with its management are urgently needed."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
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.