Description: A.americana is a large succulent with gray-green fleshy rosette leaves that have spiny margins and a sharp tip as well as greenish-yellow flowers that only blossom at the end of the plant’s life. The plant is native to the United States and Mexico and naturalised in South Africa.  

Uses:

• The plant is fermented and distilled to make a traditional alcoholic drink in Mexico, known as pulque.
• The leaves are ground and put in drinking water to treat nematodes in chicken. 
• The plant is used as a detergent, diuretics, emmenagogue, laxative, and insecticide.
• The leaf sap is used to treat scurvy. 
• The leaves and roots are used to treat syphilis. 
• The plant is used as a source of fibre for weaving bags, mats, ropes, and twines.
• The plant is used as a substitute for soap. 
• The plant is cultivated as a garden ornamental and a hedge plant.  

Reference and further reading:

• Cherpelis, B.S. and Fenske, N.A., 2000. Purpuric irritant contact dermatitis induced by Agave americana. CUTIS-NEW YORK-, 66(4), pp.287-290.
• Hulle, A., Kadole, P. and Katkar, P., 2015. Agave Americana leaf fibers. Fibers, 3(1), pp.64-75.
• Kadam, P.V., Yadav, K.N., Deoda, R.S., Narappanawar, N.S., Shivatare, R.S. and Patil, M.J., 2012. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on roots of Agave Americana (Agavaceae). International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research, 4(3), pp.92-96.
• Kerner, J., Mitchell, J. and Maibach, H.I., 1973. Irritant Contact Dermatitis From Agave americana L: Incorrect Use of Sap as Hair Restorer. Archives of Dermatology, 108(1), pp.102-103.
• Majola, N.G., 2018. Use of indigenous methods to control gastro-intestinal nematodes in chickens (Doctoral dissertation). 
• Zwane, P.E., Masarirambi, M.T., Magagula, N.T., Dlamini, A.M. and Bhebhe, E., 2011. Exploitation of Agave americana L. plant for food security in Swaziland. American Journal of Food and Nutrition, 1(2), pp.82-88.