Aspects of the Reproductive Biology of Agave lechuguilla Torr.

Abstract

Agave lechuguilla Torr. is a small, widespread century plant characteristic of the Chihuahuan Desert growing from central Mexico to southern New Mexico. Most reproduction is vegetative. Flowering occurs primarily in May and June. The inflorescence shaft grows as rapidly as 2 dm/day, and reaches full height (about 2.6 m) in three to four weeks. Energy for flowering is stored almost entirely in the leaves. Flowers open in late afternoon, and last for approximately 96 hours. Anthers dehisce 24 hours after a flower opens and the stigma becomes receptive at approximately 66 hours. Nectar is produced during the second and third nights. The anatomy of the flower is of interest in that the pollen tubes do not penetrate tissue but have an unobstructed path to the ovules. The species is capable of self-pollination, but not apomixis.