century-plant
Definition
Noun: A common name for several species of agave, especially Agave americana, a succulent plant native to Mexico. It is called "century plant" because it was once believed to flower only once every hundred years, though it typically blooms after 10 to 30 years.
Usage Examples
- (A large agave plant produced its rare bloom.)
- (The plant's life cycle is often misunderstood.)
- (The plant's physical characteristics serve a practical purpose.)
Advanced Usage
"century-plant in bloom": A rare and dramatic event in the plant's life cycle.
- The century-plant in bloom attracted crowds of visitors to the botanical garden. (The flowering event was a notable spectacle.)
"century-plant sap": The sweet liquid extracted from the plant's core, used to make pulque, a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage.
- The century-plant sap was fermented to produce pulque for the local festival. (The sap was used in traditional drink-making.)
Variants and Related Words
Agave (n): The genus to which the century-plant belongs, including many other succulent species.
- The agave plants in the desert are well-adapted to drought. (The broader plant group.)
Maguey (n): A Spanish-derived name for the century-plant, especially in Mexico.
- Farmers harvest maguey for its fibers and sap. (A regional synonym.)
Synonyms
- Agave americana: The scientific name for the most common species.
- American aloe: A common but inaccurate name, as it is not a true aloe.
Related Idioms
- "Century plant patience": An informal phrase meaning extreme patience, referring to the plant's long wait to bloom.
- You need century plant patience to complete this long-term project. (Exceptional endurance is required.)