All About Agave

07/01/2024

Florida State’s campus is renowned for its natural beauty – from the sprawling branches of the oak trees to the flowers blooming across campus – the landscape is one that is often admired. Yet, a unique and rare bloom is currently sprouting up across campus, one that might be missed if people did not know how to look. Century plants, or formally known as Agave Americana, are shooting up their sprouts in three different locations at FSU, but what makes them unique?

Unlike other plants, century plants bloom only once every 40 to 60 years (it does not take a whole century as the name implies) but the reason for why these plants bloom and when they will is still unknown. Yet, after they bloom, these plants will quickly wilt and die, giving the chance for viewers to see their blooms a short timeframe. Despite the death of these plants, there is no reason to shed a tear, as throughout the plant’s lifetime it produced “pups” which are budding century plants at its base. These pups will continue to grow and one day bloom in the decades to come.

Agave americana is commonly known for the products it is used to produce. While these succulents have a spiny exterior that protects the moisture within, this moisture is often used to produce alcoholic beverages such as tequila, and agave nectar which can be found in most supermarkets! While originally indigenous to Mexico, these hardy plants can survive harsh winters and adapt to Tallahassee’s climate, though this recent spring has been unusual in that a lot of plants have been triggered into blooming across Tallahassee. Currently at FSU, there are three agave plants in bloom; one behind the Bobby E. Leach Student Recreation Center, one next to The Den at the Student Services Building, and one in front of Strozier Library. Next time you’re walking around campus, take a moment to stop and appreciate these blooms before they disappear!