Giant Cabuya
(Furcraea tuberosa)
Giant Cabuya (Furcraea tuberosa)
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Daniel Cahen
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Daniel Cahen
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Daniel Cahen | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Daniel Cahen | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-02-13T17:39:53-08:00 |





Estimated Native Range
Summary
Furcraea tuberosa, commonly known as Giant Cabuya or Mauritius Hemp, is a large, evergreen perennial herb native to dry areas in the Caribbean. It has been naturalized in South Africa and is potentially invasive in some regions. This plant typically grows up to 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) in height and width, with a rosette of long, lance-shaped, gray-green leaves that can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. The leaves have sharp edges and a terminal spine, which should be handled with care. Furcraea tuberosa blooms infrequently, but when it does, it produces a tall flower stalk up to 20 feet (6 meters) high, with greenish-white flowers that are not particularly showy.
In cultivation, Furcraea tuberosa is valued for its bold architectural form and is often used as a focal point in xeriscaping, succulent gardens, or as a container plant for large spaces. It is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun to light shade, well-draining soil, and minimal water once established. While it is low maintenance, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. Due to its potential invasiveness, it is important to manage its spread by removing offsets and monitoring for self-seeding.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Furcraea tuberosa is valued for its bold architectural form and is often used as a focal point in xeriscaping, succulent gardens, or as a container plant for large spaces. It is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun to light shade, well-draining soil, and minimal water once established. While it is low maintenance, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. Due to its potential invasiveness, it is important to manage its spread by removing offsets and monitoring for self-seeding.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 6-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Green
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to dry areas in the Caribbean
Other Names
Common Names: Caribbean Agave, Green Aloe, Karata, Pita, Mauritius Hemp
Scientific Names: , Furcraea tuberosa, Agave angustifolia, Agave campanulata, Agave spinosa, Agave tuberosa, Fourcroya tuberosa, Furcraea geminispina, Furcraea interrupta, Furcraea lipsiensis
GBIF Accepted Name: