Envis Centre, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Govt. of India

Printed Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Rare Flower Blooms in Alappuzha (Source: Deccan Chronicle 27-7-17)

 

 

     A rare plant belonging to Agavaceae family and called Agave Americana (Century Plant or American Aloe) has flowered in S.D. College, Alappuzha.Located in front of the library, at a special area called “Naturescape”, it has attracted the attention of students and staff alike. Native of Mexico, the plant has a lifespan of about 30 years and will flower only once in a life time before drying up. A. Americana develops a massive flower cluster on a lengthy flowering stem or stalk growing to a height of more than 20 feet. The flowers are yellowish green in colour. This species produces seed, but it mainly reproduces itself vegetative via suckers which allow it to spread laterally and can form very large and dense colonies over time. Agave is now grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant has also naturalised in India, Africa and Southern Europe. The nectar is used in Mexico and South America to prepare a fermented drink called Pulque. The fibre extracted from its leaves is also used to make coarse cloth for a variety of purposes. The nectar and seeds are also consumed by some birds and animals. It is also used in many herbal medicinal preparations in Mexico.