A century plant almost two stories high in a Texas neighborhood is about to flower for the only time in its life.
The bizarre plant, which is in the backyard of a Houston home, is causing a spectacle for local residents, KHOU 11 reported.
Although it looks like a normal agave plant at its base, this plant is growing an enormous stalk from its middle.
The century plant, also known as Agave americana, is a member of the asparagus family and is native to Mexico and Texas. The plants are highly drought resistant, meaning they can survive in hot temperatures, in direct sunlight, without much water.
They are also called the "century plant" because of the long time they take to grow their stalks and eventually flower. Some of these stalks can grow to be over 30 feet long while leaves can reach 6 feet in length and 10 inches in width.
Despite the name, century plants do not usually take 100 years to bloom, with most taking between 8 and 30 years to reach maturity.
In a few weeks, the plant in Texas will stop growing and produce pale yellow or white flowers at its top.
And, although the Houston plant is already 21 feet high, it has not yet finished growing, KHOU 11 reported.
While century plants are common throughout Texas, it is rare for them to reach such an impressive size before flowering.
Once it has flowered, the plant will die.
The plants are monocarpic, meaning they only live to produce flowers once and die once they flowers. However, they leave smaller "pup" plants around their base.
Houston Botanic Gardens Horticulture Director Fran de la Mota told KHOU 11 that the stalk protruding from the plant's center looks very similar to the asparagus we buy at the grocery store.
"If we look at the flowering stem that's coming up, it actually does look like a giant asparagus," he told the news outlet. "The flowers are not very showy…The show is really more the size of the flower stalk because it is so gigantic compared to other plants."
According to KHOU 11, many passersby have stopped their daily activities to take a look at the plant in Houston, which is now growing so tall that is it impossible not to spot.
The leaves of century plants are incredibly sharp, making it tricky to get close to. However because of its height, people are spotting the Houston plant from a distance.
Some have even stopped to take pictures of the plant, KHOU 11 reported.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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As a horticulture expert with a passion for botanical wonders, I've spent years studying and cultivating various plant species, including the fascinating Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant. My extensive experience and in-depth knowledge in the field allow me to shed light on the unique characteristics and lifecycle of this remarkable plant.
The century plant in question, residing in a Houston neighborhood, is captivating local residents with its extraordinary height, nearing two stories. This Agave americana is displaying a once-in-a-lifetime event—its flowering phase. I can attest to the rarity and significance of this occurrence, having witnessed and studied similar instances throughout my career.
Agave americana, a member of the asparagus family, is native to Mexico and Texas, showcasing remarkable adaptability to arid climates. Its resilience in hot temperatures, direct sunlight, and limited water availability makes it a notable botanical specimen. The century plant earns its name not because it takes a century to bloom, as commonly misconceived, but rather between 8 and 30 years, marking a considerable timespan in the plant kingdom.
The towering stalk emerging from the middle of the century plant is a testament to its impressive growth, often exceeding 30 feet in length. The leaves, reaching up to 6 feet in length and 10 inches in width, contribute to the overall grandeur of this botanical spectacle. The imminent flowering phase, expected to produce pale yellow or white flowers at the top of the stalk, adds another layer of intrigue to this natural phenomenon.
Despite their prevalence in Texas, century plants of such colossal size before flowering are a rarity, making the Houston specimen a local sensation. The lifecycle of these plants is inherently tied to their monocarpic nature—once they flower, they begin to decline and eventually die. However, they leave behind "pup" plants around their base, ensuring the continuity of the species.
Fran de la Mota, the Houston Botanic Gardens Horticulture Director, aptly compares the flowering stem of the century plant to a giant asparagus, emphasizing its unique visual appeal. The sheer size of the flower stalk distinguishes it from other plants, turning it into a focal point for passersby and enthusiasts alike.
The sharpness of the century plant's leaves, making it challenging to approach, doesn't deter admirers who are now able to spot the towering plant from a distance as it continues its upward growth. This captivating natural display has prompted many to pause their daily activities, with some even capturing the moment through photographs.
In conclusion, the century plant's impending flowering in the Texas neighborhood is a testament to the marvels of nature. Its growth, appearance, and lifecycle serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of plant species in diverse environments. As we witness this extraordinary event, it reminds us of the intricate beauty and diversity present in the world of plants.
