Agave polyacantha Haw.
Many-spined Agave
Agave polyacantha, whose name means 'many spines', is a recognizable agave with numerous variably sized and highly prominent marginal teeth on its leaves. It forms medium rosettes with linear-lanceolate, green to grey-green leaves armed with multiple corneous teeth along the margins. Distributed mainly in Mexico (central and south), it has been cultivated in botanical gardens worldwide. Like other agaves, it is monocarpic and produces an imposing flower spike once in its lifetime.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent rosette, medium-sized; may produce basal offsets. Erecto-patent leaves with especially numerous and variable teeth. |
| Conservation Status | Least concern; widely cultivated; wild populations locally stable but vulnerable to land use change. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Stony or sandy, well-drained soils; tolerates impoverished soils of low to neutral pH. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Linear-lanceolate, 50–80 cm long × 5–9 cm wide; green to grey-green; margins with numerous corneous teeth 4–10 mm of various sizes, brown to grey; terminal spine 3–5 cm, acicular.
ecoYellow to yellowish-green; 50–70 mm long; in panicle atop 4–6 m scape; pollinated by bats and nocturnal insects.
ecoAcaulescent; floral scape erect, robust, branched in the upper third with 15–25 flower-bearing branches.
ecoFibrous, shallow and spreading; adapted to stony, well-drained soils of semi-arid climates.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Stony or sandy, well-drained soils; tolerates impoverished soils of low to neutral pH.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
S
O
Every 3–4 years in spring when roots fill the container.
Once or twice a year with diluted low-nitrogen fertilizer (spring and summer).
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Sap with saponins and calcium oxalates; numerous teeth and terminal spine represent considerable mechanical risk. No serious systemic toxicity.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Phytophthora spp.) – risk in humid climates or from overwatering.
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.) – attacks leaf bases; treat with potassium soap or neem oil.
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) – irreversible damage to the piña; destroy affected plants.
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"Described by Adrian Hardy Haworth. Its numerous irregularly sized teeth are its most striking diagnostic character. Often confused with Agave horrida in collections, from which it differs by the distribution and density of teeth."
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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.