1911 encyclopedia image of the Agave americana plant. It is also known as the Century plant or the American Aloe; not to be confused with the aloe plants that we use to treat burns. The agave plant was first found in central and South America but is most commonly found in Mexico. It also grows in the Arizona and Texas.
The agave plant can grow 6-10 feet wide with leaves that are 3-5 feet long. The plant blooms only once during its lifetime but in spectacular fashion – the flower spike can reach as high as 30 feet tall. The main plant will die after blooming but suckers and adventitious shoots from the base will continue the growth cycle.
This image is copyright free and in the public domain anywhere that extends copyrights 70 years after death or at least 120 years after publication when the original illustrator is unknown.