Wocomahi Agave (Agave wocomahi)

Overview of Wocomahi Agave, Tejaban, Chihuahua, Mexico. Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

Leaves of Wocomahi Agave, Tejaban, Chihuahua, Mexico. Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

Close-up of armament of Wocomahi Agave, Tejaban, Chihuahua, Mexico. Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Wocomahi Agave
• Common Spanish Names: Wocomahi, Ojcome
• Scientific Name: Agave wocomahi (uh-GAH-vee woe-KO-ma-hee)
• Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family)
• Geographic Range: In Sierra Madre Occidental of southwestern Chihuahua and adjacent Sonora to Durango, Mexico.
• Plant Form: Rosette shrub, 3' H X 5' W.
• Remarks: Medium sized rosette of fleshy, dark green leaves with stout, dark brown marginal and terminal spines. Blooms yellow on 10' to 15' branching stalks at maturity, then dies. Flowers and pina or “head” (stem minus leaves) edible and source of fermented “tesguino” of the Tarahumara. Non-suckering.
  A number of previously recognized families have been gathered into the Asparagaceae, including the Agavaceae, to which the agaves previously were assigned.

Last Update: 18 Aug 2013