Century Plant

A member of the agave family, it lives for 10 to 30 years (despite the name). Originally from Mexico, but cultivated as an ornamental plant around the world. It can grow very large, sprawling up to 4m outwards, and its flowers can reach heights of 10m. The spines on the tips of the leaves can pierce to the bone. Also called the American aloe due to the superficial similarity, but in a separate family to the aloes.