Agave seemanniana Jacobi
Seemann's Agave
Agave seemanniana is a large, robust species of Central American tropical dry forests, distributed in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and southern Mexico (Chiapas and Oaxaca). It forms imposing rosettes with broad, lanceolate, greyish-green leaves with prominent marginal teeth and a stout apical spine. Described by Heinrich Georg Jacobi in 1864 and named for the naturalist Berthold Seemann. It grows mainly on rocky slopes, subtropical scrublands, and edges of deciduous forest between 400 and 1,800 m a.s.l. It is one of the most ornamental species in its group due to the size and bearing of the rosette.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent to short-stemmed rosette, solitary or with few basal offsets. Leaves can reach 1–1.5 m long and 12–18 cm wide, forming a rosette 1.5–2.5 m in diameter. Inflorescence a panicle 5–8 m tall. |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient (DD) globally; some local populations are considered vulnerable due to deforestation of Central American tropical dry forests. Not evaluated under Mexico's NOM-059-SEMARNAT. |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Loamy to sandy loam, well-drained, moderately fertile |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate, 80–150 cm long and 12–18 cm wide at the broadest point, greyish to glaucous green. Margins with robust corneous teeth 3–7 mm long, dark brown to black; apical spine 3–5 cm long, pungent and grooved on the upper surface.
ecoInflorescence a broad panicle 5–8 m tall with numerous lateral branches. Tubular greenish-yellow to yellow flowers 6–9 cm long. Pollinated by nectar-feeding bats, nocturnal moths, and bees.
ecoVery short, barely visible at ground level, or with a caudex up to 30 cm in mature specimens. The central tissue stores large amounts of fructans (reserve carbohydrates) that fuel the explosive monocarpic flowering.
ecoFleshy and fibrous roots spreading widely in the top 50 cm of soil. The root architecture allows anchorage on steep rocky slopes. In cultivation it requires deep pots to accommodate the root system.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Loamy to sandy loam, well-drained, moderately fertile
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
R
U
Every 5–7 years; prefer transplanting to a permanent ground location when the specimen reaches 40 cm
Half-strength balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once at the start of spring and once in midsummer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
The apical spines are dangerous due to their size (3–5 cm) and rigidity; they can cause serious wounds. The marginal teeth are also sharp. Sap can irritate mucous membranes and sensitive skin. Handle with gloves and eye protection.
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Plant Health
Basal rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum in waterlogged or poorly ventilated soils
Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) in leaf axils; apply systemic insecticide or neem oil
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus): lethal caudex borer; periodic preventive inspection
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"Agave seemanniana is rarely found in botanical collections outside its natural range. Its tolerance of higher ambient humidity than most agaves makes it a valuable candidate for low-maintenance tropical gardens in the Caribbean and Colombia. Verify current taxonomy: some sources treat it as a synonym of A. lurida or include it in the A. vivipara complex."
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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.