What is the century plant?

  Century plant

According to a common belief a century plant  
blooms only when it reaches the age of hundred
years. This was the reason for the name is it a
century plant. But the belief is not true although
the name remains popular. the time of blooming
depends on individual plant and can be quite
different from each. Climate also plays important
role.In a very warm places flowers can bloom
with in 20 years. In colder climates it may take 60
years or more.

       The technical name for the century plant is

Ajave. The plant has a large rosette of  thick

fleshy leaves ending in a tharp point.The stem

from which leaves rise is usually very short

and it looks as if the leaves are coming straight

from the roots or  the earth.The stalk of plant

grows quite fast,and when the growth starts,

there is a rush of sap to the base of the stalk.

People in Mexico makes use of this sap

prepare a tasty drink called pulque which is

the national drink of Mexico.

     The large bud  is removed as soon as it is
ready to emerge and a cavity is scooped in
the centre of the plant. A large quantity of the
sweet sap from the leaves collects  into it which
is collected in pigskin bottles And then allowed to
ferment in a repository. Thick and milk drink
obtained is said to be very nourishing drink  by
the Mexican.