ABSTRACT
Metl is the náhuatl word that prehispanics used for this “sacred” plant, Agave a gi from the goddess. On the other hand, Agave (from the Greek noble and Latin admirable) was the word used by Charles Linneo to describe this genus (1753), which is in reference to the admirable ability of these plants to grow in extremely dry environments. Agave plants, however, can also be found in many ecosystems, such as productive highlands and areas of high humidity (Gentry 1998). Mexico is considered the origin center of evolution and diversication of the Agave genus, since a large number of Agave species are found here. e Agave genus includes approximately 166 species and is the largest genus in the Agavaceae family that consists of nine genera and approximately 293 species (Roberfroid 2007, Roberfroid et al. 1998). Figure 3.1 shows some Agave elds and some Agave species commonly grown in Mexico.
