Leuchtenbergia

Morphological Summary

Leuchtenbergia is a monotypic genus of Cactaceae containing only L. principis, commonly known as the "agave cactus" or "false agave." It is one of the most morphologically unusual cacti: it produces long triangular tubercles 10–12 cm long resembling agave leaves, topped by apical areoles bearing long papery spines up to 15 cm long with a paper-like texture. The species is native to the semi-arid plateau of central and northern Mexico (Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Querétaro), where it grows in grasslands and xerophilous scrub on limestone or calcareous-clay soils. Its bright yellow flowers emerge from the terminal areoles of the youngest tubercles and have a cedar-wood fragrance. The genus was named by W.J. Hooker in honor of Duke Eugen of Leuchtenberg (1817–1852). It is the only cactus that produces papery spines in adults, a unique character in the entire family. Phylogenetically it is closely related to Ferocactus within tribe Cacteae.