Definition

Noun: 1. A type of large agave plant: A tropical American plant characterized by a thick, central stem (rosette) from which grow long, pointed, sword-shaped leaves. It is known for growing for many years before producing a single, tall flower spike and then dying. Some species are cultivated for their ornamental value or for the fiber obtained from their leaves.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The botanical garden has a magnificent century plant that is finally starting to flower.
  • Despite its name, a century plant typically lives for 10 to 30 years, not a full century.
  • Fibers from the leaves of the century plant can be used to make rope and twine.

Advanced Usage

• The term "century plant" is often used generically for large agaves, particularly . Its dramatic life cycle, where it flowers once and then dies, is a classic example of a monocarpic plant.
  • The century plant's monocarpic nature means its spectacular bloom is a once-in-a-lifetime event for the individual plant.

Variants and Related Words

• Agave (n): The botanical genus name for the century plant and related succulents.
  • Tequila is made from the fermented sap of the blue agave, a relative of the century plant.
• American aloe (n): A common name for , a specific species of century plant.
• Maguey (n): A name used in Mexico for various agave plants, including types of century plant, which are used for fiber and to produce alcoholic beverages like pulque.

Synonyms

• Agave: The direct scientific and common synonym.
• American aloe: A synonym for the most common species (), though it is not a true aloe.

Notes on Meaning

• The name "century plant" is a misnomer, referring to the long time it takes to flower rather than its actual lifespan. It emphasizes the plant's slow growth and dramatic, terminal flowering event.

Noun

1. tropical American plants with basal rosettes of fibrous sword-shaped leaves and flowers in tall spikes; some cultivated for ornament or for fiber