This plant is a hybrid of the ferdinandii-regis form of Agave victoria-reginae (these two plants, once considered separate species have more recently been synonomized) crossed with Agave scabra. There have been several collections made of this plant over the years. The Huntington Botanic Garden has this plant labled as Agave victoria-reginae x Agave scabra (HBG28048). It was collected by Myron Kimnach & Gary Lyons on May 21, 1971 in Coahuila, Mexico but there are instances of this plant being a Charlie Glass and Bob Foster introduction. It is possible that there are multiple collections of this cross and that not all of the plants are the same. Another bit of confusion is the name Agave 'Ruth Bancroft' that has been applied to this plant. Although some of the plants in cultivation have originated from the Ruth Bancroft Garden, this name is confusing and not supported by Brian Kemble, Ruth Bancroft Garden Plant Curator and Assistant Director, who notes that there is another Agave introduced by the garden that already goes by this name. What ever you call this plant - it sure is beautiful! See our more information and additional pictures in our database listing Agave 'Sharkskin'
