agave is a kind of cactus
Agave plants have thick, fleshy leaves that are fringed and end in a sharp, spiny point. The leaves range in colors from silvery-green to deep green and spring up form the root of the plant; this is also called a rosette form. Sometimes referred to as the agave cactus, the agave plant (Agave spp.) produces thick, fleshy, sword-shaped leaves. There are hundreds of varieties of agaves, ranging in hues from blues to greens. Gardeners use agave plants as focal points, and in rock gardens, cacti gardens and arid landscape plantings. Agave and Diabetes. Have you heard that agave is a better sweetener for people with diabetes? In theory, it's high in fructose and low on the glycemic index, making it a better option than refined sugar. But there's not a lot of research to back that up, and one of the studies was done in lab animals, not people. Do not fertilize a newly planted agave; instead, wait until the plant is established. A spring application of 10-10-10 nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium slow-release fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per plant will provide nutrients to young or extremely slow growing specimens. It’s the same plant used to make tequila. Most agave sweeteners come from the blue agave plant. You don't get its raw nectar. Much like high-fructose corn syrup, it's highly processed before you can add it to your tea, top your pancakes with it, or get it in an energy drink, bar, or other product. What is Agave Nectar? Mainly produced in Mexico, agave (pronounced ‘uh-GAH-vay’), is a syrup that is made from the Agave tequiliana (tequila) plant. It is about 1 1/2 times sweeter than regular sugar and contains roughly 60 calories per tablespoon, which is about 20 calories more than the same amount of table sugar. During their flowering season, a tall stem shoots up from the center of the rosette to produce multiple flowers. Today, agave nectar is used to produce agave syrup, a type of sweetener that can be used to sweeten tea or replace sugar in recipes. Pulque agave has toothed leaves that are light green in color. The upright form is layered or rosette shaped. When flowering, the pulque agave has a 15-to-40 foot flower stalk that shoots out of the plant for a striking addition to the landscape. The hardiness zone is 7b to 10. The genus Agave is part of the family Agavaceae. There are around 200 species in the genus. Most of these are from Mexico, although they occur in the southern United States and into South America. Plants are characterized by forming rosettes of fleshy (succulent) leaves which have a sharp point or spine terminally. The leaf margins may be smooth or spiny. Agave plants have been given the common name Century Plant because of their blooming habit. The idea is that the plants live for 100 years, bloom and die. While it is true that Agave are monocarpic, meaning they bloom once and then die, few species, if any, take a full 100 years to do this. 1 Ultimate guide to succulents. 2  These unthirsty plants make great landscaping features, centerpieces, and even bridal bouquets. Get fun DIY project ideas, planting advice, and our top picks for the best varieties. 16 gorgeous agave plants. Use these versatile plants for drama in pots and sunny gardens.
Yes, it is a kind of cactus.