Agave neglecta
| Agave neglecta | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Agavoideae |
| Genus: | Agave |
| Species: | A. neglecta
|
| Binomial name | |
| Agave neglecta | |
Agave neglecta, known as wild century plant, is endemic to central Florida.[1] It is found in sandy soils, especially near the coasts.[2]
It has been rarely seen in the wild, although it has been documented via several photographs and sterile specimens. Coincidentally, the latter portion of its scientific name means "neglected" or "overlooked".[3] It may represent a cultivar of Agave sisalana or Agave kewensis.[2] Some authorities express doubt regarding the species' nativity, stating that the species may have been introduced from Mexico during pre-Columbian years.[2] The species is also known as Small agave in honor of its discoverer; he was the first to describe the species,[4][3] although it was originally noted from the Cape Canaveral area by William Bartram in 1766. In Florida, the species has been collected in Hillsborough, Saint Lucie, and Lee counties.[1]
Description
Agave neglecta is a succulent, suckering species with ascending leaves.[2] It is a short-stemmed member of Agavaceae. The species lacks rhizomes. The arching or reflexed leaf blades are green.[2] It is presumed to flower in early summer.[2]
Ecology
The species is a subject of conservation concerns.[2] Development threatens remaining habitat, in addition to hurricanes[2] such as the destructive 2004 and 2005 Atlantic hurricane seasons. The tracks of Charley, Frances, and Jeanne overlapped the species' habitat in central Florida.[5]
References
- ^ a b Wunderlin, Dr. Richard and Hansen, Dr. Bruce. "Agave neglecta Small". Institute for Systematic Botany. Retrieved 2007-12-28.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d e f g h Flora of North America. "Agave neglecta (Small agave)". Retrieved 2007-12-28.
- ^ a b Austin, Daniel F. (2004). "Florida Ethnobotany". CRC Press. Retrieved 2007-12-28.
- ^ Small, John Kunkel. Flora of the Southeastern United States 289. 1903.
- ^ "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- Landsea, Chris (April 2022). "The revised Atlantic hurricane database (HURDAT2) - Chris Landsea – April 2022" (PDF). Hurricane Research Division – NOAA/AOML. Miami: Hurricane Research Division – via Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.
