Century Plant in Bloom, Gila National Forest, New Mexico

This plant is believed to be Agave palmeri. Often called century plants many species of animals will feed on the flowers. This species has an amazing life history as it takes often over 20 years before it stores up enough energy in the base of the plant to grow a 10-15 foot tall flower stalk. Growth of the stalk has been recorded at up to one foot per day. At the end of the flowering cycle the entire plant dies. Many species of century plants are dependent on bats for pollination and a wide variety of birds, insects and mammals will seek the nectar before the bats get to it at night.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• century plant
• southern new mexico
• gila national forest