Agave sisalana aka Mescal

Agave sisalana, or sisal, is an evergreen succulent perennial. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family and comes from Mexico. Kew places its native range on the Yucatán Peninsula. LLIFLE notes doubt about its exact origin. Growers raise it for fibre across many warm regions. It has also escaped gardens and farms in many countries. Escaped plants can grow along hedges and fence lines.

The plant forms a large rosette above a short, thick stem. RHS gives a garden height of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 m]. Its spread reaches 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 m]. The leafy rosette alone stands about 5–7 feet [1.5–2 m]. Flower stalks can reach 16–20 feet [5–6 m]. LLIFLE records extremes of nearly 30 feet [9 m]. Firm, fleshy leaves have a sword shape and long fibres. Their colour ranges from grey-green to dark green with age. Leaves can reach 5 feet [1.5 m] long. Small edge teeth on young leaves fade as they mature. Each leaf keeps a sharp, brown spine at its tip.

A mature plant sends up a tall, branched flower stalk. It bears clusters of small, yellow-green, tube-shaped flowers. The flowers have an unpleasant scent. Bloom can last several months, moving upward along the stalk. Each rosette flowers once, then dies. Young plants around its base can take its place. The stalk may also form bulbils after flowering. Growers can raise new plants from these or from offsets.

Sisal needs full sun and soil that drains well. RHS lists sandy or loamy soils with acid or neutral pH. Use cactus compost when growing it under glass. Water during active growth, then let the soil dry. Keep it almost dry through winter. Established plants in the ground need little extra water. PFAF lists USDA zones 9–11; RHS rates it H1B. In Britain, it needs winter shelter at 10°C or warmer. It suits pots, gravel gardens, coastal sites, and greenhouses. No routine pruning is needed. Scale insects may attack, but diseases cause few reported problems.

Leaf fibres supply rope, twine, nets, bags, paper, and floor coverings. Living fences also help limit soil erosion. People cook the hearts of new shoots for food. They use flower-stalk sap and roots to make alcoholic drinks. Leaves supply hecogenin for making cortisone-related drugs. These uses do not make the plant safe to handle or eat. RHS warns that it irritates skin and harms pets if eaten. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it.