Sisal Hemp

A plant economically important for sisal fibre obtained from leaves. This species is cultivated on a small scale in the Punjab and NWFP, however not widely cultivated commercially in Pakistan. Sisal fibre is mostly imported for making ropes.

Agave sisalana is frequently cultivated for its fiber and ornamental value. The plant is not known from the wild. As with A. desmettiana, capsules and seeds of this species are unknown. Capsules are known from A. kewensis (native to Chiapas), A. neglecta, and A. weberi, although no mature seeds have been observed. It may be that all are anciently selected cultivars that now persist only by vegetative means. None save A. kewensis is thought to occur in the wild. Plants similar to those found in Florida are known from Chiapas. Agave sisalana is an important source of fiber and probably was widely distributed by pre-Columbian people.

The leaves are used as a source of fiber.

Stem short, covered by leaf bases. Leaves 1-2 m long, c. 8 cm wide, widest about the middle, erect, neck not sharply constricted, greyish green, often glabrous, channelled to about 2/3rd its length, the basal 1/3rd flat above, marginal spines lacking. Inflorescence a large panicle. Flowers arranged on the terminal portion in dense clusters, sessile, 4-5 cm long. Perianth segments six, spreading, equalling the ovary segment. Stamens 6, filaments longer than the perianth segment, 3-4 cm long anthers versatile. Style exserted, stigma 3-lobed.

Plants short-stemmed, commonly suckering with elongate rhizomes, trunks 0.4–1 m; rosettes not cespitose, 15–20 × 15–25 dm. Leaves spreading, 90–130 × 9–12 cm; blade green, slightly cross-zoned when immature, lanceolate, firm, adaxially plane, abaxially slightly convex; margins straight, finely fibrous, typically unarmed, teeth single prickles when present, 1–2 mm, 2–5+ cm apart; apical spine dark brown, subulate, 2–2.5 cm. Scape 5–6 m. Inflorescences paniculate, open, often bulbiferous; bracts persistent, triangular, 0.5–2 cm; lateral branches 10–15(–25), ascending, comprising distal 1/2 of inflorescence, longer than 10 cm. Flowers erect, 5.5–6.5 cm; perianth greenish yellow, tube urceolate, 15–18 × 10–12 mm, limb lobes erect, equal, 17–18 mm; stamens long-exserted; filaments inserted ca. mid perianth tube, erect, yellow, 5–6 cm; anthers yellow, 20–25 mm; ovary 2–2.5 cm, neck slightly constricted, 2–4 mm. Capsules not seen. Seeds unknown. 2n = 138, 147, 149, 150.

Stems short, thick. Leaves usually 200--250, in a basal rosette before inflorescence develops, glaucous when young, later dark blue-green, ensiform, straight, usually 1--1.5 m × 10--15 cm, fleshy, adaxially concave, abaxially convex, margin not spiny or rarely spiny, apex straight and tipped with a red-brown spine 2--3 cm. Panicle to 6 m, stout, usually bearing bulblets after anthesis. Flowers with a strong smell; pedicel 5--10 mm. Perianth yellowish green; tube 1.5--2.5 cm; lobes obovate-oblanceolate, 1.2--2 × 0.6--0.8 cm. Stamens inserted at base of perianth lobes; filament yellow, 6--8 cm; anther ca. 2.5 cm. Ovary oblong, ca. 3 cm. Style slender, 6--7 cm; stigma slightly capitate. Capsule oblong, ca. 6 × 2--2.5 cm.

Cultivated commercially in warm countries.

Distribution: East and West Africa, Mexico, cultivated elsewhere.

introduced; Fla.; s Mexico.

1500 m

Flowering winter--early spring.

Sandy places along roadsides and in hammocks; 0m.

Widely cultivated. S China [native to Mexico].