Meet my rare black-leaved agave

Black is an elusive color in the plant realm, and even more so among succulents. Two new mangave introductions, ×Mangave 'Night Owl' and ×Mangave 'Black Magic', have leaves that are almost black in full sun—something no agave has been able to match. 

Until now.

Meet the ultra rare black-leaved form of Agave nizandensis:

The inky foliage color isn't its only special characteristic. The leaf form itself is noteworthy, twisting and curling like slightly overdone spiral-cut French fries.

Closer inspection reveals a matte sheen and occasional pustules that add visual interest to the otherwise smooth leaf surface.

This very rare form of Agave nizandensis emerged spontaneously in our garden after a chilly winter night in the high 20s. 

At this point, it's unclear whether propagation is possible. Maybe through tissue culture? If not, I may be the only person to have this extraordinary specimen in their collection.

Offers from prospective purchasers will be entertained.

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