Agave young flower stalk. Agave nectar (also called agave syrup), a sweetener derived from the sap, is used as an alternative to sugar in cooking, and can be added to breakfast cereals as a binding agent. The sap of "A. americana" and other species is used in Mexico and Mesoamerica to produce "pulque", an alcoholic beverage. The flower shoot is cut out and the sap collected and subsequently fermented. By distillation, a spirit called "mezcal" is prepared; one of the best-known forms of mezcal is tequila. When dried and cut in slices, the flowering stem forms natural razor strops, and the
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