Genus of more than 200 species of rosette-forming, mostly monocarpic or sometimes perennial succulents from desert and mountain regions of the Americas. The most popular Agave is the Century Plant, so-called because of the mistaken belief that it flowers only once every 100 years. There are two colourful varietis - Agava americana marginata (green leaves edged with yellow) and Agava americana mediopicta (cream leaves edged with green). Tthese plants produce leaves 3 or 4 ft long, and size make them unsuitable for a ordinary room. Agava victoria-reginae is the best choice - its 6 in. triangular leaves are dark green edged with white.