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Solitary barrel cactus to 18 inches wide and 6 feet tall in advanced age. 13 ribs; 6 angled or hooked central spines (usually 1 much longer); several white, twisted radial spines. Large yellow flowers with red midveins. Greenish yellow, fleshy (edible) fruit.

From Sinaloa, Sonora and Durango in northern Mexico. This taxon was formerly its own species, now lumped with the wide-ranging wislizenii from the SW United States and northern Mexico.

Clumping, spiny cactus with stems to 2.5 inches in diameter growing up to about 2 feet long. 3-8 ribs (the species name refers to 5 ribs), 0-1 central spine, 3-8 whitish to yellowish radial spines. Large pink to pinkish purple flowers with white or yellow throats, often in great numbers on older clumps. Grown from seed or from cuttings.

From Texas and 7 different states in northern to central Mexico. Three subspecies: Alicoche (Echinocereus pentalophus subsp. pentalophus) with 3-5 ribs, 3-7 spines, erect or prostrate stems; Lady Finger Cactus (Echinocereus pentalophus subsp. leonensis) with 6-8 ribs, up to 9 spines (Coahuila, Nuevo León); Lady Finger Cactus (Echinocereus pentalophus subsp. procumbens) with 4-5 ribs, 5-7 spines, semi-prostrate stems.

Solitary or sometimes dichotomously branching Mammillaria. Stems are light green, 3-4 inches or more in diameter, with crowded tubercles and wooly axils. They have 4-7 (usually 6) central spines, 20-24 (sometimes 0) white radial spines. White or pink flowers, red fruit.

From 8 different states in north-central Mexico. 3 subspecies: Mammillaria (Mammillaria formosa subsp. formosa) has pale pink flowers; Biznaga de Dedos Pequenos (Mammillaria formosa subsp. microthele) has white flowers; Mammillaria (Mammillaria formosa subsp. chionocephala) has white to pale pink flowers and 2-4 (-6) central spines. The highly variable former subspecies pseudocrucigera is now lumped with a different species, Biznaga Siempre Viva (Mammillaria sempervivi) with white to pale yellow flowers, 2-3 central spines, 2-6 radial spines (usually on young tubercles only).

Small, offsetting glaucous blue agave from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in far southern Mexico. Rosettes may grow up to 10-14 inches wide but are often smaller. They usually offset via rhizomes (early in life) and/or via axillary branching (later in life). Leaves have a rough texture, with undulating, crenate margins. They have small, sharp teeth and terminal spines.

This species (described in 1993) is found in Oaxaca and Chiapas. It is related to Agave potatorum, found further to the north in Puebla and Oaxaca. Agave potatorum is typically a larger plant and much less prone to offsetting. Various cultivars of isthmensis are found in cultivation, including the unusual dwarf cultivar 'Shoji Raijin' (rosettes to about 5", clumps to about 8") and its many variegated derivatives.

Best form and color in strong light. A great candidate for containers because of its limited size and chunky, sculptural leaves. Also a great candidate for a mass planting in the landscape. The common name dwarf butterfly agave refers to its bigger cousin, the butterfly agave (potatorum). That common name is a translation of the Nahuatl word papalometl.

Variable South American cactus with straight or hooked spines and yellow, orange or red flowers. Usually solitary, sometimes clumping. Stems may be globose to cylindrical, reaching a maximum height of 2-8 inches. They have 15-21 ribs, 3-4 central spines (straight or hooked), 7-30 white radial spines. Hairy buds, pretty flowers, small fruit and seeds.

Dozens of former species have been rolled into this variable taxon, and some of those names are still in circulation. A former subspecies of this plant with yellow flowers and reddish gray stems (horrida) is now its own species.

Small whitish bumpy aloe hybrid by Dick Wright, named after longtime botanist/curator/explorer/nursery owner Paul Hutchinson. A very pretty plant. Pinkish flowers.

Similar to and easily confused with other whitish plants (eg. 'Shaved Coconut'), from which an easier distinction may be made based on flowers. Involved in various Zimmerman (and other) hybrids, presumably to take advantage of the generous surface texture.

The variegated version of this trailing succulent with skinny stems and spherical leaves looks a lot like the all-green version, except for the difference in leaf color. The whitish variegation is somewhat variable in extent from leaf to leaf, but it's centered around the translucent epidermal windows, yielding a sort of cat's eye effect when viewed from close up (or with the use of a macro lens).

Solitary, shiny green agave from higher elevations in southwestern Mexico. Grows to about 3-5 feet wide, producing an inflorescence to 13-23 feet tall after several years. Leaf margins have prominent teats and teeth (though not every tooth has a teat). Wide leaves bear prominent bud imprints and have sharp terminal spines.

From altitudes of 4000-6000 feet in Guerrero and Michoacán, a frost-free tropical area with dry winters and considerable summer rainfall.

This plant is known by the common name maguey papalote (kite agave) in Mexico, where it is used (including wild plants) to produce mezcal. The same common name may also be applied to Agave potatorum from Puebla and Oaxaca, also used for mezcal. More commonly the latter species is referred to as papalometl, which is the Nahuatl word for "butterfly agave", though the same word may sometimes be applied to cupreata.

Note the Mexican Spanish word for kite (papalote, as in the common name for Agave cupreata) is derived from the Nahuatl word for butterfly (papalotl). That same Nahuatl root forms the basis for potatorum's common name (papalometl) but there it retains the butterfly meaning. These names are obviously connected, and neither one is unique to one species.

Climbing tropical cactus with large white nocturnal flowers and delicious fruit. Stems may grow to 15 feet or more long, with regular branching. 3 ribs, 1-3 short spines, nocturnal flowers 6-8 inches wide, fruit to nearly 4 inches in diameter, covered with leafy appendages. Apparently self fertile, though not very in my experience.

This cactus is quite widespread in cultivation, to the extent that its origins in nature remain obscure. It is grown for the fruit, which is fleshy and tasty, with small seeds. It likes to climb and enjoys some support while doing so, until the roots latch on (and they will, given time). It can climb quite high in trees. Drought tolerant, though frequently grown in the tropics, where there is abundant rainfall. Very easy to start from cuttings. Disease free and hassle free. A variety of fruit colors have been selected.

A couple of notes about names. The scientific name for this plant recently changed when Hylocereus (the old name) was lumped with Selenicereus (the new name). The plants in this expanded genus produce similarly large, nocturnal flowers and edible fruit. S. undatus is by far the most common in cultivation (especially as a crop).

In Spanish speaking countries (ie. the places of putative origin) this plant and its fruit are called pitahaya (pee-tah-AY-ah, four syllables, the H is silent). This name is very similar to (frequently confused with) but distinct from the word pitaya (three syllables), which refers to Stenocereus species and their fleshy, edible fruit (which are spiny, in contrast to dragonfruit). Both types of cacti are widespread in Mexico, and both types of fruit are widely available in season.

Recently described (2022) clumping agave from Oaxaca with light green leaves that are whitish on the bottom. Formerly sold as "Magnifica" before its description as a species. Filed in the Micranthae, along with chiapensis, celsii/mitis and other species. Relatively widespread in cultivation, given the recent description, thanks in part to the distribution by Rare Palm Seeds under the old name.

Attractive large, glaucous, bright blue agave which is used for making mezcal, particularly in Oaxaca. I'm not sure about the relationship of this plant to other forms of americana, and why it appears to be geographically disjunct (it is named for the southern state of Oaxaca), but it is a named variety of this species that has been widely domesticated.

Medium to large sized glaucous agave (to 3-6 feet across) with erect, blue-gray to blue-green leaves at maturity. Marginal teeth are moderately dangerous and may leave bud imprints on the leaves. Most plants are quite prolific and will generate a number of rhizomatous offsets. Young (small) plants may look different from the adult form, somewhat chunkier and less upright. They tend to grow slower until they transition to the adult form.

This plant has been confused with forms of Agave parryi, and the old name patonii (which refers to Agave parryi v. parryi) has been misapplied to young plants of applanata. This name is especially misapplied to the marginal variegated form Agave (Agave applanata 'Cream Spike'), a somewhat smaller plant which appears to be much more common in cultivation than the wild type.

From higher altitudes (1800-2500m) in Puebla and Hidalgo, Mexico. Cold tolerance is said to be good (to 10°F according to Starr, though other sources differ). Gentry discusses the putative domestication and transport of this plant, presumably for the purposes of harvesting fiber. This use has led to one of the common names for this plant (maguey de ixtle) which is by no means unique to this plant, as ixtle refers to fiber produced from a wide variety of agaves, yuccas, and even terrestrial bromeliads.

Small, creeping Mexican Sedum with glaucous green leaves (sometimes with red tips), growing to about 6-8 inches tall. Flowers are white and spreading. This species is known from the cliffs at one locality in the state of Mexico. It is easily reproduced and relatively common in cultivation.

Leaves are easily detached from stems and can be used for propagation. Stems tend to grow sideways over time and branch quite a bit. Plants shipped through the mail will tend to fragment and drop a lot of leaves, especially if carelessly handled.

Glaucous green barrel cactus from northern Mexico. Usually solitary. Old plants may reach 20 inches wide and 3 feet tall, but most plants in cultivation are a fraction of this size. 13-25 ribs, 1 longer central spine, 3-8 radial spines, yellow flowers, yellow fruit. From Chihuahua, Sonora, Sinaloa. Not widely distributed or common in nature or cultivation.

This small genus, a close relative of the composite-flowered Senecio, Kleinia and Curio, is characterized by the tomentum (fine felty hairs) on the leaves, which is easily removed without disrupting the epidermis. It is also genetically distinct from its closest relatives. The CoL lists 5 species in the genus, including the relatively common tomentosa and scaposa.

Solitary cactus with variable spines and purplish pink flowers appearing as a crown around the top edges of the stem. A few inches wide, some growing taller than wide in old age. Red fruit is edible and delicious. Tubercles are pyramid-shaped, with flat sides. Wool and bristles may appear in the axils (these are responsible for the moustache species name) but this too is variable, and many/most plants in cultivation lack them. Central spines tend to point sideways and may become tangled. Widespread in central Mexico (Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz).

Small, shrubby Aeonium hybrid (sedifolium x spathulatum) with tiny leaves and abundant branching. Flowers are yellow and appear on short terminal inflorescences. The freely branching behavior helps ensure a long lifespan in cultivation because the heads that flower (and then die) are constantly being replaced by new ones.

A single-headed cutting may yield a plant overflowing a 10 inch pot in less than 2 years, given good care in a mild climate. Start cuttings in fall for best results. Expect seasonal variation in growth (including a period of relative rest during summer) along with marked changes in leaf color (green in winter, reddish orange during summer). Monitor flowers for aphid activity. Any given inflorescence may have up to 7 branches.

Hybrid agave with many arching, spotted leaves. Said to be a hybrid of the former Manfreda maculosa (now Agave maculata, a spotted plant) and Agave geminiflora, a toothless agave with many narrow, weak leaves. The patent mentions similarities to the agave hybrid 'Man of Steel' (a cross of 'Bloodspot' x Agave stricta); this plant is much more glaucous. 'Bad Hair Day' may not have as many or as intense spots in lower light situations (strong light is best for full realization of the purple spots). The whole plant may appear more purplish than green when moderately stressed.

Small, offsetting, glaucous rosette succulent. with rosettes to about 3.5 inches and stems to about 2-3 inches long. Leaves are bluish pink to whitish and flowers are fragrant and bright white, with recurved petals.

From Barranca de Sinforosa, Chihuahua. Described in 2017, related to S. suaveolens (Durango). Some differences: branchler, often longer-stemmed, with a smaller, pinker rosette; taller inflorescences with much smaller flowers.

Branchy, bushy Aeonium with smallish rosettes bearing varying degrees of marginal variegation (green in the center, yellowish around the edges, reddish margins). Young leaves appear to be much more variegated. Prone to reversion to an all-green form. Very common and well behaved in cultivation.

This plant is usually known in the trade as Aeonium 'Kiwi' but apparently the name 'Dream Color' was published first and takes precedence.