Agave salmiana

Otto ex Salm-Dyck

Pulque agave

Asparagaceae Edible: Heart - drink, Sap, Flowers Potential hazards — see below 7,379 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Agave salmiana (also known as maguey pulquero and green maguey) is a species of the family Asparagaceae, native to central and southern Mexico. It is also reportedly naturalized in South Africa, Italy, Spain, especially in the Canary Islands, and southern Portugal. This species, also called agave of Salm or Salm-Dick, is dedicated to the German prince and botanist Joseph zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck (1773-1861).

Description

A large succulent plant. It produces setts at the side. The leaves are strong and grey-green. They curve upwards. They can be 0.9-2 m long. There are teeth along the edge. They have a strong keel at the ends.

Edible Uses

The sap is fermented to produce the alcoholic drink 'pulque'. As soon as the inflorescence bud appears — typically at around 7 years of age — it is excised, and the sweet juice that exudes over the following 3–4 months is collected and fermented. A brandy can also be produced by distilling pulque, which itself contains 4–8% ethanol. The sugar-containing juice can alternatively be used to produce sugar or vinegar. Flowering stems are cut into sections and chewed like sugar cane. The cuticle of the young leaves of the central spike is used as a translucent wrapping for the Mexican festive dish 'mixiote'.

Traditional Uses

Heart or centre used for fermented drinks and fresh drinks. The sap is eaten. The young flower stalks are chewed.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Many Agave species have strong, sharp spines on the leaves and leaf tips. In theory at least, the flowers, nectar, immature flowering stem and the centre of the rosette of all Agave species is edible and, with proper preparation, can provide a sweet, tasty foodstuff. Some species, however, contain relatively high levels of saponins (which makes them taste bitter) and some other compounds which can cause bellyache, and so these would only be eaten in times of desperation. In addition, many people may find these foods to be strongly laxative the first few times they eat them.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in desert areas. It can grow in arid places. It grows in open areas on sand or clay soils up to 1,800 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Central America, Indonesia, Mexico*, North America, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Requires a sunny position. Requires a well-drained soil. Succeeds in poor soils. Established plants are very drought resistant. A monocarpic species - the plant lives for a number of years without flowering but dies once it does flower. However, it normally produces plenty of suckers during its life and these continue growing, taking about 10 - 15 years in a warm climate, considerably longer in colder ones, before flowering. Cultivation is easy in a well-drained sandy soil with sunny exposure. For a pot culture, it requires a container of very large size to remain in an harmonious appearance. It can be used to fix a slope. The main harvest of the agave hearts (piñas) occurs after about 7 to 10 years, typically in late winter to early spring, depending on the climate and growing conditions. Agave usually flowers once it reaches maturity, which can be after 7 to 10 years, and the flowering period generally occurs in late spring to summer.

Propagation

Surface sow seed in a container in a light position. Germination usually occurs within 1–3 months at 20°C. Prick out seedlings into individual pots of well-drained soil once large enough to handle, and grow on in a sunny position until at least 20cm tall. The plant is more easily multiplied by planting shoots than by raising seedlings.

Other Uses

The leaves, especially the youngest, provide fibres suitable for producing laces, fine clothing, and footwear. The roots contain saponins and can be used as a soap substitute. The flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting pollinators including bees and butterflies.

Other Information

It is a cultivated food plant.

Notes

There are about 250 Agave species. The Agavaceae are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Heart of plant	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Sap	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Flowers	8.9	—	—	19.57	—	—	—	—

Synonyms

Agave atrovirens auct.Agave mitriformis Jacobi

Also Known As

Agave raksasa, Pulqueagave, Maguey de pulque, Maguey manso, Maguey ceniso, Tame maguey

References (19)

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Casas, A., et al, 2016, Evolutionary Ethnobotanical Studies of Incipient Domestication of Plants in Mesoamerica. In Lira, R., et al, (eds.) Ethnobotany of Mexico, Ethnobiology. Springer p 266
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 115
Delgado-Lemus, A., et al, 2014, Vulnerability and risk management of Agave species in the Tehuacan Valley, Mexico. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 10:53

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