Scientific name:
Agave decipiens
Common name:
False sisal, Florida agave
Range:
The Florida Keys, and nearby coastal areas
Form:
Tree-like, when mature, with trunks up to 10 feet, and offshoots around the base
Habitat:
Raised, sandy areas in marshy ground, near sea level; mostly coastal
Flowers:
Greenish-yellow, in a panicular cluster up to 15 feet tall
Agave decipiens is endemic to Florida, found mainly along the southwestern coast, and in the Keys - it grows on sandy hammocks, at or near sea level. Unlike most other agaves, this species becomes tree-like, forming a woody trunk up to ten feet tall, and producing offshoots near the base.
The bright green leaves are (usually) up to 40 inches long and 4 inches wide, lined by small teeth at half-inch intervals. Smaller interstitial teeth may sometimes be present. Leaves taper to a light brown spine. The upper surfaces of the leaves are nearly flat towards the base, becoming concave towards the tip; lower surfaces are convex around the base.
The bright green leaves are (usually) up to 40 inches long and 4 inches wide, lined by small teeth at half-inch intervals. Smaller interstitial teeth may sometimes be present. Leaves taper to a light brown spine. The upper surfaces of the leaves are nearly flat towards the base, becoming concave towards the tip; lower surfaces are convex around the base.
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