Tampico fiber (Agave lechuguilla, W.H.Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 213 (1858))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: Torr.

Bibliography: W.H.Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 213 (1858)

Year: 1858

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Agave

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. New Mexico to C. Mexico

Description

Tampico fiber, commonly known for its origin from the resilient Agave lechuguilla, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Asparagaceae family. This plant holds a vital role in the ecosystems stretching from southern New Mexico to central Mexico, flourishing predominantly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Agave lechuguilla is renowned for its hardy nature and adaptability to harsh environments, often seen dominating landscapes that offer little sustenance to other forms of flora. The plant’s structure consists of stiff, sword-like leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. These leaves are equipped with sharp spines along their margins, serving as a formidable defense mechanism against herbivores.

A remarkable feature of Agave lechuguilla is its ability to produce Tampico fiber, a natural brush material that has been harvested and utilized by humans for centuries. Tampico fiber is derived from the long, tough leaves of the plant, which are processed into durable fibers known for their elasticity and resistance to moisture. This makes the fiber an excellent choice for a variety of cleaning purposes, particularly in the manufacturing of high-quality brushes for both industrial and household use.

Historically, the uses of Agave lechuguilla were meticulously documented in the 19th century by W.H. Emory in his report on the United States and Mexican boundary. The 1858 report highlighted the plant’s significant contributions to the region’s economy and its ecological status within its native habitat.

The adaptability of Agave lechuguilla enables it to thrive in regions with extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall, anchoring the soil and preventing erosion. Furthermore, this plant is an essential component of its ecosystem, providing habitat and resources for various wildlife species.

In conclusion, Agave lechuguilla, or Tampico fiber, serves as a prime example of nature’s resilience and utility. Its ability to produce valuable fibers, coupled with its ecological benefits, underscores the importance of conserving this remarkable species within its natural range.

Common Names

Deu: ixtlefaser
Spa: maguey lechuguilla, ixtle de lechuguilla, lechuguilla, mescal lechuguilla
Eng: tampico fiber, lecheguilla agave
En: Tampico fiber, Agave (lechuguilla), Lechuguilla, Lecheguilla Agave
De: Ixtlefaser
Es: Lechuguilla, Mescal lechuguilla, Tula ixtle, Ixtle de lechuguilla, Maguey lechuguilla

Synonyms

• Agave poselgeri (Salm-Dyck)
• Agave univittata var. tamaulipasana ((A.Berger) Jacobson)
• Agave lophantha var. tamaulipasana (A.Berger)
• Agave multilineata (Baker)

Distribution

• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken May 20, 2019 by muñoz Bryan muñoz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2019 by Cherchiglia Tais Flavia (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Miguel Felipe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2021 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 2, 2014 by EOL − Jennifer Jackson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 2, 2014 by EOL − Jennifer Jackson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 2, 2014 by EOL − Jennifer Jackson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 20, 2014 by EOL − Kenneth Bader (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 20, 2014 by EOL − Kenneth Bader (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Natural Ethik (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by K and M McCarrick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by K and M McCarrick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Kiny McCarrick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2015 by EOL − Julie M. Schlichte (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Feb 15, 2015 by EOL − Julie M. Schlichte (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 3, 2013 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 3, 2014 by EOL − Richard Reynolds (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 3, 2013 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 7, 2019 by Maria Klimek (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Agave lechuguilla Torr.)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2766505)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60474750-2)

Specifications

Growth