Gardeners and non-gardeners alike often confuse agaves and aloes, understandably! Even experts can have some trouble with them as they often appear so alike. If we delve back into their fascinating history, the differences become a little clearer, though they are an example of what we call convergent evolution. This means that two completely distinct genera of plants develop in two different parts of the world yet develop a very similar appearance and way of living. Both have adapted to live in dry inhospitable places and are invaluable in our gardens to provide form, structure and drama with almost total neglect!
The aloes and agaves are monocots – note the way that leaves wrap around the stem. Other examples are grasses, orchids and leeks. In spite of this initial similarity, the aloes and agaves are only distantly related, with their last common ancestor thought to have existed around 93 million years ago when dinosaurs still walked the Earth. Both are succulents with fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes and have evolved in similar environments. Both can handle high summer heat and nutrient-poor soil and, importantly, long periods of drought. They look surprisingly similar and fill the same ecological niche yet they live continents apart.
Aloe are “Old World” plants. They originally grew in sub-Saharan Africa on the Saudi Arabia Peninsula and on Madagascar. From there they spread along the coast of the Mediterranean and to South Africa where the aloe genus evolved into the 500 species that we know today. They belong to the family Liliaceae, along with alstroemeria, agapanthus and tulips and are in the sub-family Asphodeloideae. They range from small creepers to tree-like plants, hence arborescent. In our climate, in general, they prefer a little light shade. The name aloe probably stems from the Arabic word alloeh meaning shining bitter substance.
Agave are “New World” plants. They originated in Mexico and the American Southwest. Nowadays their 300 species extend from Utah into northern South America and the Caribbean. They like full sun and are found growing naturally in deserts and open grassland. They belong to the family Asparagales, sub-family Agavoideae. The name agave is from the Greek meaning ‘stately or noble’ and the Aztecs knew it as metl, translating as ‘magnificent’.
Leaves: the leaves of aloe are fleshy, if you break one open it will ooze a clear mucilaginous gel. Think of the well-known aloe vera, the healing plant. By contrast, leaves of agaves are fibrous, the classic being agave sisalana which is cultivated for its tough stringy fibre which is turned into cord, string and rope – or sisal. Both plants store water in their leaves.
Flowers: the flowers of aloe are tubular and quite fine, often produced in large clusters or candelabras atop long stems. They typically bloom in springtime and early summer and range from creamy-white, yellow, orange, bright red and purple. They are loved by insects and tiny birds with long beaks. Agaves also flower atop a long stalk that shoots up from the centre of the rosette of leaves. This flower spike is called an inflorescence and it towers over the plant with a bushy grouping of flowers at the top. The plant uses enormous reserves to produce such a massive spike and, typically, dies afterwards – literally flowering themselves to death. Consequently, agaves only flower once in their lifetime and this massive outpouring usually occurs after 10 to 30 years of life, though sometimes longer. It earns the plant the nickname of Century plant.
Uses: aloes are mainly used as medicinal plants, the most common of which is aloe vera, typically used as a treatment/preventative for all types of skin complaints, burns, bites and stings. Internally it is believed to calm stomach and digestive problems and it is indicated as an anti-cancer and anti-AIDS plant. Agaves give us, predominantly, food, drink and household products. They have long been considered as one of the most important crops in their corner of the world with a multitude of uses. Their fibre made paper and brushes to write with, sisal for ropes and nets to hunt and fish, shoes and clothes and thread for sewing. Their extremely sharp spines became sewing needles and nails. The juice extracted was used in alcoholic drinks, to make bread, honey and sugar, vinegar, soap and, to a lesser degree, medicines. The strong flower stalks were used as beams in house construction and their tough dried leaves formed walls and roofs. Any surplus made fine firewood and the ashes were an excellent cleaning product! They were commonly planted as a stock-proof barrier and are often still seen here marking old boundaries or roadsides. It must be remembered that whilst many aloes soothe skin, many of the agave family have extremely irritating juice – so don´t mix your aloes and your agaves, identification is vitally important.
Some popular aloes:
Aloe arborescens, red hot poker aloe is from South Africa and a very popular choice for its bright glowing red winter colour. It branches and bulks rapidly and can build up to a height of 3m or more if left to its own devices. Young plants can be easily detached and spread around. It looks particularly good in lines, perhaps at the base of dark cypress trees.
Aloe ferox, Cape aloe or bitter aloe. The leaves look similar to aloe marlothii but the flower spike is distinctive, being single and vertical and a glowing orange-red. Those of you who bit your nails in childhood will have fond memories of this plant – it is from this that bitter aloe is extracted!
Aloe marlothii, the mountain aloe. A striking single-stemmed aloe with great presence which can reach 4m high. The leaves are large and broad covered with spines on the upper and lower surfaces with maroon coloured teeth along the leaf margins. The flowers are held candelabra style and can vary from the typical gold through yellow, orange or bright red.
Aloe vera syn. barbadensis. This is one of the oldest plants on record due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. It is a must in every garden or in a pot on your terrace. It will reach maturity in 3 to 4 years with a height of 75cm and up to 21 leaves. It will produce ´pups´around the mother plant which can be carefully removed and replanted.
Some popular agaves:
Agave Americana, plain green colouring.
Agave Americana marginata, with bold green and yellow stripes along the length of the leaves.
Agave Americana medio-picta alba with solid cream bands down the centre of the leaves, edged with blue-grey.
All of these form spectacularly statuesque plants that are exceedingly tough and drought resistant. They bear very vicious spines at the leaf tips (that can be cut off for safety) and all along the margins too.
Agave attenuata, the foxtail or pearly agave. A much softer and spineless agave with a lovely pearly sheen and a dramatic curved foxtail flower spike. It is one of the more tender members of the family, not tolerating freezing conditions, snow or frost.
Agave ferox, a giant agave which can easily reach 2m high with a width of 3m with a solid chunky appearance and vicious barbed leaves. It is one of the most prolific agaves, so by planting just one you can quickly spread your collection. Yellow green flower.
Please don´t forget, we will be changing to Summer Hours from 4th June, so open between 9am and 2pm.
June Open Day as part of our Birthday Celebrations!
Our next Open Day is on 3rd June and Sue Rodgers of Nevada Naturales is our guest speaker.
As well as giving a talk on herbs in the garden and their usage in traditional medicines, she will also demonstrate how to make artisanal cheese. We will learn how easy it is to make goats cheese, ricotta, feta and Jben (Moroccan cheese). And there will be lots of home made cheese and membrillo to taste.
After the huge turnout we had for our Bee Day, we have decided to hold 2 sessions on the same day to ease numbers and parking!
So the first session will start at 11am and the second at 2pm
There will be lots of Special Offers on the day too!
Lorraine Cavanagh owns the specialist garden centre Viveros Florena, Competa, Malaga (garden centre, designers & landscapers) and is author of the best-selling
Mediterranean Garden Plants and Citrus, The Zest of Life.
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Summer Hours,
June, July & September: 9 – 2, closed Sundays & Mondays
(closed for the month of August)
Tel: 689928201 Web: www.viverosflorena.com Email: florenaspain@hotmail.com
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