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Furcraea foetida (Green Aloe) - A close relative to the Agave, this usually trunkless succulent can reach a size of 5 feet tall with a 8 foot spread of green 4 to 7 foot long wavy sword-shaped leaves that lack any spines. The flower stalk reaching to 25 feet tall produces strongly scented greenish-white flowers that are attractive to bees. Flowers are followed by small plants that cover the inflorescence as the basal plant dies.
This plant performs best in full coastal sun or filtered light, and should be watered infrequently. It is hardy to about 20-25 degrees F. n interesting and attractive plant that lends a bit of a tropical look in a succulent garden and with its spineless pliable leaves is not dangerous to garden visitors.
Furcraea foetida is widespread in its native habitat in northern South America. It was once cultivated as a hemp fiber plant on Mauritius Island and is sometimes called by the common name Mauritius Hemp.
This information about Furcraea foetida displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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