THE MEDITERRANEAN, Agave Americana

AGAVE AMERICANA, also known as MAGUEY or the Century plant - It was introduced into Europe about the middle of the 16th century and is now widely cultivated for its nice appearance. It matures very slowly and dies after flowering. This is a kind of Sisal Plant* that likes very poor and rocky grounds, near the sea, where the air is salty. It is of Mexican origin, but it adapted very well to the Mediterranean climate. It is the base for several Mexican drinks: the tequila, the pulque and the mezcal.A very strong fibre obtained from the leaves of the plant is used for making rope and coarse fabrics./Enlarge Photo: Trsteno, Dubrovnik, Adriatic/
*Sisal is a seaport town in the state of Yucatán, Mexico