Aloe and Agave are two genera of drought-tolerant succulents that have similar appearances and care needs. The similarities arise because both adapted to live in hot, dry climates. Aloe and Agave, however, are not closely related and the similar climates in which they evolved are in different hemispheres of the world. Here, we'll take a look at the characteristics that distinguish the two groups.
Different Classification
Aloe is a genus in the subfamily Asphodeloideae. Members of this genus are succulents. They have fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Agave is also a succulent and also has fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Agave, however, is a member of the subfamily Agavoideae.
Different Range
Aloe is an "Old World" plant. It originally grew in sub-Saharan Africa, on the Saudi Arabian Peninsula and on Madagascar. From there, aloe spread along the coast of the Mediterranean and to South Africa, where the aloe genus diverged into more than 120 species. Though aloe plants grow wild in the southwestern United States, they grow as an introduced species, not as a native one. Agave, on the other hand, are "New World" plants. They originated in Mexico and the American Southwest. Today they extend from Utah into northern South America, growing in deserts, arid grasslands and oak-pine woodlands.
Aloe grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 through 11. Agave grow in in zones 9 and 10, with some varieties being able to tolerate more heat or cold than the norm. Agave can tolerate full sun. Aloe likes a little shade during the sunniest times of the day. Both plants do well in sandy or even rocky soil if it is well-drained.
Flowering
Though both groups send up tall bloom stalks to unleash large, exotic flowers of red, orange, or yellow to attract pollinators, you are far more likely to see an aloe in bloom. Aloes are polycarpic, meaning they can bloom repeatedly. An aloe growing outdoors will typically produce a flower once a year between December and May and they can be tubular or bell-shaped.
Agave are monocarpic, which means there's only one chance for each plant to bloom. This once in a lifetime event is certainly a big deal, with the plant growing a bloom stalk up to 40 feet tall in under two months. The flowers can attract pollinators both big and small, but once the plant goes to seed it will slowly die. The dried, skeletal remains can last for years longer as a testament to the massive Agave.
Different Leaves
The leaves of the aloe are fleshy. For example, if you break open one of the leaves of an aloe vera plant, it will ooze its valued clear gel. Agaves, by contrast, are more fibrous. Though they do store water in their leaves, as do all succulents, agaves are shot through with tough, stringy fibers. One variety of agave, the sisal plant, is cultivated for its fibers, which are turned into cord and rope.
source
Different Classification
Aloe is a genus in the subfamily Asphodeloideae. Members of this genus are succulents. They have fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Agave is also a succulent and also has fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Agave, however, is a member of the subfamily Agavoideae.
Different Range
Aloe is an "Old World" plant. It originally grew in sub-Saharan Africa, on the Saudi Arabian Peninsula and on Madagascar. From there, aloe spread along the coast of the Mediterranean and to South Africa, where the aloe genus diverged into more than 120 species. Though aloe plants grow wild in the southwestern United States, they grow as an introduced species, not as a native one. Agave, on the other hand, are "New World" plants. They originated in Mexico and the American Southwest. Today they extend from Utah into northern South America, growing in deserts, arid grasslands and oak-pine woodlands.
 |
| source pic: succulentsandmore.com |
Aloe grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 through 11. Agave grow in in zones 9 and 10, with some varieties being able to tolerate more heat or cold than the norm. Agave can tolerate full sun. Aloe likes a little shade during the sunniest times of the day. Both plants do well in sandy or even rocky soil if it is well-drained.
Flowering
Though both groups send up tall bloom stalks to unleash large, exotic flowers of red, orange, or yellow to attract pollinators, you are far more likely to see an aloe in bloom. Aloes are polycarpic, meaning they can bloom repeatedly. An aloe growing outdoors will typically produce a flower once a year between December and May and they can be tubular or bell-shaped.
Agave are monocarpic, which means there's only one chance for each plant to bloom. This once in a lifetime event is certainly a big deal, with the plant growing a bloom stalk up to 40 feet tall in under two months. The flowers can attract pollinators both big and small, but once the plant goes to seed it will slowly die. The dried, skeletal remains can last for years longer as a testament to the massive Agave.
Different Leaves
The leaves of the aloe are fleshy. For example, if you break open one of the leaves of an aloe vera plant, it will ooze its valued clear gel. Agaves, by contrast, are more fibrous. Though they do store water in their leaves, as do all succulents, agaves are shot through with tough, stringy fibers. One variety of agave, the sisal plant, is cultivated for its fibers, which are turned into cord and rope.
source
