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

desert agave agave deserti mescal century plant maguey desert 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