Agave The fibers are used to make rope, the leaves are used to line baking pits, and the sharp pointed leaf tips are used to make basketry awls. Agave Agave (, , ) is a genus of monocots native to the hot and arid regions of Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Some agave species are also native to tropical areas of South America. The plants are perennial, but each rosette flowers once and then dies (see semelparity). Some species are known by the name "century plant". "Agave tequilana", agave azul or blue agave, is used in the production of tequila.
Agave parviflora pollinated by bees such as bumblebees. This species is the smallest agave in Arizona and is sought by collectors. For this reason the species has declined in its native habitat. There are only about two dozen natural populations in Arizona. Other threats to the species include road construction and mining. The plant is valued in cultivation and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Subspecies of the plant include ssp. "parviflora" and ssp. "densiflora". Agave parviflora Agave parviflora is a species of succulent perennial flowering plant in the asparagus family, known by the common names Santa Cruz