Status: Native
Synonyms:
None
Agave palmeri looks similar to Agave parryi, but has narrower leaves.
The flower stalk of Agave palmeri is more open with fewer individual flowers. The capsules of Agave palmeri are more slender. The individual seeds of both species are black and roughly triangular with rounded corners. One third to one half of the seeds seem to be white rather than black-- are they sterile or is it just a possible color variation? They are found in two rows in each of the three chambers of the capsule. The capsules open from the top and split down towards the base. After the capsules split open, any jostling from wind or a passing animal causes seeds to rain out.Agave
palmeri is usually found further south in the Gila National Forest, more likely in the Burro Mtns. at
lower elevation. Agave palmeri is found higher in elevation and more toward the north than Agave parryi.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Agave palmeri, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Rd., Mar. 4, 2006
Agave palmeri in bloom, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Rd., July 22, 2005
Agave palmeri, unopened capsules, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Rd., Dec. 6, 2008
Agave palmeri, opened capsules, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Rd., Dec. 6, 2008
Agave palmeri, after making an opening in the side of a capsule revealing "poker chip" stacking of seeds (macro), photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Rd., Dec. 6, 2008
Agave palmeri, after making an opening in the side of a capsule revealing "poker chip" stacking of seeds (higher macro), photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Rd., Dec. 6, 2008
Agave palmeri, macro of individual seed, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Rd., Dec. 6, 2008
Agave palmeri, flowers, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., Apache Peak, July 31, 2011
Agave palmeri, flowers, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., Apache Peak, July 31, 2011
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