Agave maintenance once established. "Agave azul" (blue agave) is used in the production of tequila. In 2001, the Mexican Government and European Union agreed upon the classification of tequila and its categories. All 100% blue agave tequila must be made from the "Agave tequilana" 'Weber's Blue' agave plant, to rigorous specifications and only in certain Mexican states. The hybridized genus ×"Mangave" is created by cross-breeding species of "Manfreda" and "Agave". The ethnobotany of the agave was described by William H. Prescott in 1843: But the miracle of nature was the great Mexican aloe, or maguey, whose clustering pyramids of flowers, towering
Agave moisture from rain, condensation and dew. In addition to growing from seeds, most agaves produce 'pups' – young plants from runners. "Agave vilmoriniana" (the octopus agave) produces hundreds of pups on its bloom stalk. Agave leaves store the plant's water and are crucial to its continued existence. The coated leaf surface prevents evaporation. The leaves also have sharp, spiked edges. The spikes discourage predators from eating the plant or using it as a source of water and are so tough that ancient peoples used them for sewing needles. The sap is acidic. Some agaves bloom at a height up to