| Agave neglecta | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| clade: | Angiosperms |
| clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Agavoideae |
| Genus: | Agave |
| Species: | A. neglecta |
| Binomial name | |
| Agave neglecta Small |
|
Agave neglecta, known as wild century plant, is endemic to central Florida.[1] It is found in sandy soils, especially near the coasts.[2]
It has been rarely seen in the wild, although it has been documented via several photographs and sterile specimens. Coincidentally, the latter portion of its scientific name means "neglected" or "overlooked".[3] It may represent a cultivar of Agave sisalana or Agave kewensis.[2] Some authorities express doubt regarding the species' nativity, stating that the species may have been introduced from Mexico during pre-Columbian years.[2] The species is also known as Small agave in honor of its discoverer; he was the first to describe the species,[3] although it was originally noted from the Cape Canaveral area by William Bartram in 1766. In Florida, the species has been collected in Hillsborough, Saint Lucie, and Lee counties.[1]
Agave neglecta is a succulent, suckering species with ascending leaves.[2] It is a short-stemmed member of Agavaceae. The species lacks rhizomes. The arching or reflexed leaf blades are green.[2] It is presumed to flower in early summer.[2]
The species is a subject of conservation concerns.[2] Development threatens remaining habitat, in addition to hurricanes[2] such as the destructive 2004 and 2005 Atlantic hurricane seasons. The tracks of Charley, Frances, and Jeanne overlapped the species' habitat in central Florida.[4]