Agave wocomahi aka Wocomahi Agave

Agave wocomahi is a perennial succulent in the Asparagaceae family. It comes from Mexico, from southeastern Sonora to Durango and Jalisco. It grows on sunny, rocky mountain slopes among pines and oaks. These sites often have limestone rock. Roots find humus in cracks between the stones. Wild plants occur in small groups, with wide gaps between individuals.

Each plant forms one broad rosette and produces no offsets. The rosette reaches about 2.6–4.3 feet (0.8–1.3 metres) tall. Its spread reaches 4.9–6.6 feet (1.5–2 metres). As it ages, the rosette becomes flatter and more open. The thick, firm leaves have smooth surfaces and lance-shaped outlines. Their colour ranges from dark green to grey-green or blue-green. Leaves reach 1–3 feet (0.3–0.9 metres) long. Large, curved brown teeth line their edges. Each leaf ends in a strong spine, sometimes with a wavy shape.

The branched flower stalk rises 9.8–16.4 feet (3–5 metres). Its upper branches spread like the arms of a candelabrum. The upright flowers are yellow, with pale yellow, funnel-shaped tubes. Some outer tepals have red tips. Long filaments bear large yellow anthers. The plant cannot fertilise itself, so seed production needs cross-fertilisation. Oblong capsules hold glossy black seeds. In the wild, rosettes grow for at least eleven years before flowering. Each rosette flowers once, then dies.

This agave suits sunny gardens in a Mediterranean climate. It also grows in light shade and tolerates strong heat. Give it soil that drains very freely. Pots must let excess water escape. Water it regularly from spring through autumn. In winter, LLIFLE suggests watering once every one or two months. Outdoor plants can cope with drought. Dry plants may withstand temperatures near −3°C, but frost-free growing conditions are safer. LLIFLE describes the species as easy to grow.

Its balanced shape suits pots, rock gardens, and planted banks. It can stand among boulders or grow in groups. Propagation depends on seed because the plant does not form offsets. Sow seeds on the surface of an airy growing mix. Keep them warm, at 22–24°C, in shade during germination. A clear cover helps retain moisture at this stage. Some seeds sprout within seven to ten days; others take longer.