Furcraea foetida
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Furcraea foetida is a very nice structural plant for medium to large drought tolerant gardens. It makes a bold accent which can also be grown as a large potted plant. It looks great on hillsides or popping up out of a low succulent or drought tolerant ground cover or among flowing grasses. Leaves are softer and less armored than most agaves therefor it can be used near walkways and pedestrian traffic. The deep green leaves give the plant a more tropical appearance than most agave relatives. Furcraea foetida could be used near dry stream beds etc to create the illusion of a more tropical riparian environment.
It is drought tolerant but likes occasional irrigation in summer.
This moderately fast growing plant forms a large rosette with 4-5 foot long, flexible, sword-shaped leaves. Leaves are stiff and upright, but more flexible than an agave. Furcraea foetida uses CAM metabolism and can withstand some drought. In certain sub-tropical environments it can be invasive.
After about 10 years of growth Furcraea foetida will bloom by sending up a 15′ flower spike. The bell shaped flowers hang from the inflorescence branches and are greenish yellow, strongly scented, and very attractive to bees. They are followed by thousands of small plantlets that cover the inflorescence. The main plant will die after flowering and is monocarpic.
Although the plant is somewhat frost tolerant, leaves should be covered during frosts to avoid damage. Snails can damage the handsome foliage.
In Mauritus and St. Helena the plant’s leaves have been used to produce a fiber similar to sisal.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Furcraea gigantea, Agave foetida
Common Names: Mauritius Hemp, Mediterranean Hemp, Malagache Aloe, Giant Cabuya, Giant Mexican Lily, Cuban Hemp, Green Aloe
Family: Agavaceae
Origin: Native to Costa Rica, Northern South America and the Southern Caribbean.
Height: 4-5′
Width: 6-8′
Cold Tolerance: 25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C
Heat Tolerance: Very high heat tolerance
Light Requirement: Full sun to light shade
Water needs: Drought tolerant but likes some irrigation in warmer weather.
Maintenance: None
Uses: This is a very nice structural plant for medium to large drought tolerant gardens. It makes a bold accent and can also be grown as a large potted plant. It looks great on hillsides or popping up out of a low succulent or drought tolerant ground cover or among flowing grasses. Leaves are softer and less armoured than most agaves so it can be used near walkways and pedestrian traffic. The deep green leaves give the plant a more tropical appearance than most agave relatives. It could be used near dry stream beds etc to create the illusion of a more tropical riparian environment.
Propagation: This plant can be grown from bulbils which form on the inflorescence.
Problems: Snails can damage the handsome foliage.
Research Links:
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=660
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56095/
http://plantlust.com/plants/furcraea-foetida/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furcraea_foetida
Shipping & Availability
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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