It has a trunk up to 1 m high. This is different from Agave americana, plus the leaves are stiff in Furcraea and slightly curved in Agave americana.
Rosette of leaves with a diameter of 12 or 13 cm.
Leaves whitish, lanceolate, stiff, with thorns on the edges and at the end.
It blooms once in its life.
Short tubular flowers, which appear every 8 or 9 years and produce an inflorescence several meters long. After flowering, the mother plant dies, but will leave some new young plants all around.
It is used as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens.
Ideal in rock gardens, slopes and generally low maintenance areas.
Furcraeas are often grown in Mediterranean gardens, but are so similar to agaves that they are often confused.
Fibers are taken from the leaves to make ropes.
Scientific name: Furcraea seal
Common name: Fúrcrea, False agave, Maguey de Sheljú
Origin: Colombia
Irrigation: Little irrigation, prefers slightly dry areas.
Temperature: warm climate. Sensitive to frost, it can only withstand weak (-3 ° C) and short duration.
Growth: plant that grows 2 m high. Use: rock gardens, pots and landscaped areas with little maintenance.