Rancho Tambor century plant

Agave titanota is a rare succulent endemic to limestone hills in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Like most Agave species, this plant is monocarpic, meaning that it will only bloom and bear fruit once before dying. As Agaves approach maturity at 10 to 30 years of age, they accumulate a large amount of carbohydrates in their tissues that provide the energy to fuel the rapid development of the large flower spike. Natural pollination is by migratory nectar-feeding bats, which initiates the production of seeds that are dispersed by the wind. The cultivar 'Genryu Kifurin' is commercially available and is edged in yellow white, making it a great garden plant.