A resident spotted an interesting plant in front of his neighbour’s yard in Kleyn Street.
According to Willie Nel, this plant grew very tall in a short time and he was curious to know what plant it is.
According to information received, the Agave Americana plant, also known as the century plant or the American Aloe, only blooms once in 10 to 30 years and after it bloomed, it appears that it is dying, but it in fact produces adventitious shoots from the base, allowing its growth to continue.
This plant is native to Cental-, North- and South America, but it is now widely spread in South Africa as well and even considered an invasive plant in the Western Cape.
The Agave Americana plant has a spread of around 1.8 to 3m with grey-green leaves which are 0.9 to 1.5m in length.
The leaves have prickly margins and a heavy spike at the tip that can pierce deeply.
Towards the end of this plant’s life span, which can vary between 10 and 30 years, it typically produces a tall, branched stalk adorned with yellow blossoms which can reach a height of 8 to 9m.
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