LECHUGUILLA (Agave lecheguilla)

Lechuguilla is one of the characteristic plants of the Chihuahuan desert - sometimes referred to as an "indicator plant" because it is confined to this desert region. Unlike some of the very large species of Agave, lechuguilla is only a small plant, consisting of a few sharp-pointed leaves that are about 30 cm long. It grows on rocky limestone slopes, often in association with desert grasses. Like all species of Agave, lechuguilla is very drought-tolerant and it stores water in the thick succulent leaves. The plants accumulate nutrients during many years of growth, then produce a tall flowering stem that reaches 2-3 metres height. All the plant's nutrients are consumed in this process, so the plant dies after it has flowered.

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