This plant was given to us through breeder representative, PlantHaven, as part of an evaluation program. The plant came from Agave grower Dave Gordon who had removed it off the inflorescence of an Agave angustifolia 'Marginata'. We have noted in the Yahoo AgaveForum discussion of a similarly described plant, Agave woodrowii or Agave angustifolia 'Woodrowii', that also orignated from the flower stalk of Agave angustifolia 'Marginata'. In the newest nomemclatural twist Dr. Joachim Thiede of the Botanical Institute and Botanic Garden at Hamburg, writing in the "Illustrated Hanbook of Succulent Plants:Monocotyledons" (Edited by Urs Eggli, Srenger-Verlag, 2001) has placed all Agave angustifolia into Agave vivipara and specifically the horticultural selection Agave angustifolia 'Marginata' as described in H. Scott Genty's "Agave of Continental North America" as being Agave vivipara 'Marginata' (Hort. ex Gentry). Dr. Thiede also separates the form that Gentry noted as a cloese allied form attibuted to Trelease describing this plant as Agave vivipara 'Variegata' (Trelease). It is described as having a broad marginal white stripe; remainder of the leaf silvery grey or milky. It is further noted that this plant represents a horticultural selection only which is reported to have arisen in the Botanical Garden of the College of Science at Poona, India about 1895. Has Agave vivipara 'Marginata' (AKA A. angustifolia 'Marginata') been spontaneously sporting this similar form all these years or do all of these plants come from the plant origianlly described by Trelease?
Agave angustifolia 'Marginata' sport at Rancho Soledad Nursery
While touring Rancho Soledad Nursery in Rancho Santa Fe nursery the plant above was noted in their collection. It was been well grown in a cool greeenhouse. We have noted that this plant suffers from edema, possibly caused by too much moisture or its sensitivity to cold. Agave angustifolia is from central America and the Caribbean and seems to resent cool moist winters. The plant below is being cored out for production purposes at San Marcos Growers.
Agave angustifolia 'Marginata' propagation at San Marcos Growers.
