desert agave (agave deserti) flower spike with inflorescence of yellow flowers : (pix sanjiv shukla)

desert agave deserti mescal century plant maguey southern california arizona baja tall yellow flower stalk dry rosette fleshy gray green leaves spines edges inflorescence panicle numerous funnel-shaped drought-tolerant alcoholic drink sweet juice monocot arid americas caribbean tropical succulent xerophytic perennial mature monocarpic multiannual flowers dies culinary tradition ornamental fibrous rhizome edible fiber beverage sap syrup nectar sweetener