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 flowering plant dies after it has flowered, but meanwhile it will have produced other plants from "suckers".

Population of lechuguilla plants growing on a dry limestone ridge.

Flowering stalk of lechuguilla, April 2001.

Single lechuguilla flower, with a central stigma and six pollen-bearing anthers. Note the syrupy nectar at the base of the anthers.

Lechuguilla flower visited by two types of bee. The larger bee (foreground) is collecting pollen. Just behind it (partly out of focus) is a smaller bee feeding from the nectar.

Ripened lechuguilla fruits that have shed most of their seeds.

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