Agave palmeri?

[Tony Avent]

Agave folks:

While we're talking Agave palmeri, does anyone recognize this agave...photo taken in Dripping Springs Mtn. AZ, just south of Globe AZ/north of Tucson (Gila Co. 2565' elevation). The plants were very large 4' tall x 7' wide, non-suckering, and heavily banded...absolutely stunning. I tried to make these be either A. palmeri or A. chrysantha, but if so, they are quite different from the others I've seen in the wild. Any thoughts?

Gallery :: Misc :: Copy_of_Agave_sp_Dripping_Springs_Mtn_AZ_21533_001



Gallery :: Misc :: Copy_of_Agave_sp_Dripping_Springs_Mtn_AZ_25134

[Steve Steward]

To me it looks like chrysantha with palmeri influence. There are scattered palmeri in the Santa Catalina, and Rincon Mtns. but chrysantha is the dominant species there. A friend, Jason Elam who lived for years in Oracle, AZ (which is not far from where you where) found many of these 'palmerantha' agaves around his side of the Catalinas. Hope this helps.

Steve

[agavegreg]

I agree with Steve, those do look like hybrids of A. chrysantha and A. palmeri. The leaf shape looks like the palmeri commonly found around Texas Canyon.

[Tony Avent]

Greg, Steve:

Many thanks...so, do these Agave palmerantha's ever pup. I looked the area over and couldn't find a single plant that had a pup. These make outstanding specimens and should be introduced to horticulture.

[agavegreg]

I don't think they pup, at least not readily. Maybe they have to have the growing tip damaged

[Steve Steward]

Tony, agreed. They are some nice plants. Next time you are out, I can show you some really neat parryiXpalmeri also. Thanks for the post!

Steve

btw, what Greg failed to mention is that he was in Texas Canyon to see "THE THING!!!!"

[Tony Avent]

Greg:

Damaged tips...hmmm. Have machete, will travel. I need to find some at a higher elevation, about 4500' in that region to get plants that are winter hardy for us.

[agavegreg]

Actually Steve, I am "The Thing". I would love to go see A. palmeri/parryi hybrids. I got seed of a presumed A. chrysantha/parryi hybrid and sprouted those. They are still little seedlings right now, so can't tell what they might look like yet.

[Aledlheaext]

Here is my A. palmeri that I have in the ground and it looks like it's not growing at all. And so far it's doing great and no sign of weevil or anything...Forgive my weeds I will get rid of them when I'll get a chance LB