Agave neglecta

Taxobox
name = "Agave neglecta"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Asparagales
familia = Agavaceae
genus = "Agave"
species = "A. neglecta"
binomial = "Agave neglecta"
binomial_authority = Small

"Agave neglecta", known as wild century plant, is endemic to central Florida.cite web|author=Wunderlin, Dr. Richard and Hansen, Dr. Bruce|title=Agave neglecta Small|url=http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/main.asp?plantID=1189|publisher=Institute for Systematic Botany|accessdate=2007-12-28] It is found in sandy soils, especially near the coasts.cite web|author=Flora of North America|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101312|title=Agave neglecta (Small agave)|accessdate=2007-12-28] 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".cite web|author=Austin, Daniel F.|year=2004|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=eS7lX_rC3GEC&pg=RA6-PA68&lpg=RA6-PA68&dq=agave+neglecta&source=web&ots=hT0sZUKbcR&sig=zTmidekO6zsjdYC0wWbvnovAUWM|title=Florida Ethnobotany|publisher=CRC Press|accessdate=2007-12-28] It may represent a cultivar of "Agave sisalana" or "Agave kewensis".cite web|author=Flora of North America|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101312|title=Agave neglecta (Small agave)|accessdate=2007-12-28] Some authorities express doubt regarding the species' nativity, stating that the species may have been introduced from Mexico during pre-Columbian years.cite web|author=Flora of North America|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101312|title=Agave neglecta (Small agave)|accessdate=2007-12-28] The species is also known as Small agave in honor of its discoverer; he was the first to describe the species,cite web|author=Austin, Daniel F.|year=2004|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=eS7lX_rC3GEC&pg=RA6-PA68&lpg=RA6-PA68&dq=agave+neglecta&source=web&ots=hT0sZUKbcR&sig=zTmidekO6zsjdYC0wWbvnovAUWM|title=Florida Ethnobotany|publisher=CRC Press|accessdate=2007-12-28] 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.cite web|author=Wunderlin, Dr. Richard and Hansen, Dr. Bruce|title=Agave neglecta Small|url=http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/main.asp?plantID=1189|publisher=Institute for Systematic Botany|accessdate=2007-12-28]

Description

"Agave neglecta" is a succulent, suckering species with ascending leaves.cite web|author=Flora of North America|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101312|title=Agave neglecta (Small agave)|accessdate=2007-12-28] It is a short-stemmed member of Agavaceae. The species lacks rhizomes. The arching or reflexed leaf blades are green.cite web|author=Flora of North America|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101312|title=Agave neglecta (Small agave)|accessdate=2007-12-28] It is presumed to flower in early summer.cite web|author=Flora of North America|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101312|title=Agave neglecta (Small agave)|accessdate=2007-12-28]

Ecology

The species is a subject of conservation concerns.cite web|author=Flora of North America|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101312|title=Agave neglecta (Small agave)|accessdate=2007-12-28] Development threatens remaining habitat, in addition to hurricanescite web|author=Flora of North America|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101312|title=Agave neglecta (Small agave)|accessdate=2007-12-28] such as the destructive 2004 and 2005 Atlantic hurricane seasons. The tracks of Charley, Frances, and Jeanne overlapped the species' habitat in central Florida.cite web|author=Hurricane Research Division|year=2007|title=Atlantic hurricane best track|publisher=NOAA|accessdate=2007-12-28|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/easyhurdat_5106.html]

References