Description.
A medium sized suckering rosette that grows to 1m tall. Glossy green, rigid leaves up to 50cm long and 5 cm wide, concave on upper side. Lower side convex strongly keeled towards the tip. Horny spined margins. Terminal spine up to 4cm.
There are two sub species, ssp. shawii and ssp. goldmaniana. Agave shawii ssp. shawii habits coastal areas North of Ensenada among the sagebrush community and higher chaparral community where open slopes allow light for it to grow. Fogs and dew are frequent, together with mild and infrequent frosts.
A. shawii ssp. goldmaniana is a more robust form, has longer, lighter green leaves and habitats the more arid interior around Punta Prieta. The two subspecies are regarded as ecotypes of their respective habitats.
More Pictures.
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Agave Shawii at Eau Brink Cacti.
