In alpha-taxonomic terms the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, which includes the entire Albany Centre of Endemism, is one of the richest succulent plant regions in the world. The mild climate of the region is also suitable for the cultivation of a number of exotic succulents, several of which have escaped into the natural flora, subsequently becoming naturalised. The five species of Agave L. recorded for the Eastern Cape are here described and illustrated as part of compiling a Flora for the region. The species are Agave angustifolia Haw. var. angustifolia, A. americana L. var. americana, A. sisalana Perrine, A. vivipara L. var. vivipara and A. wercklei F.A.C.Weber ex Wercklé. A key is provided to assist with the identification of the five species.
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1 July 2008
Naturalised species of Agave L. (Agavaceae) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Gideon F. Smith,
Michele Walters,
Estrela Figueiredo,
Ronell R. Klopper
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