Agave neglecta

Agave neglecta
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Asparagaceae
Subfamily:	Agavoideae
Genus:	Agave
Species:	A. neglecta
Binomial name
Agave neglecta Small

Agave neglecta, known as wild century plant, is endemic to central Florida. It is found in sandy soils, especially near the coasts.

It has been rarely seen in the wild, although it has been documented via several photographs and sterile specimens. Coincidentally, the latter portion of its scientific name means "neglected" or "overlooked". It may represent a cultivar of Agave sisalana or Agave kewensis. Some authorities express doubt regarding the species' nativity, stating that the species may have been introduced from Mexico during pre-Columbian years. The species is also known as Small agave in honor of its discoverer; he was the first to describe the species, although it was originally noted from the Cape Canaveral area by William Bartram in 1766. In Florida, the species has been collected in Hillsborough, Saint Lucie, and Lee counties.

Agave neglecta is a succulent, suckering species with ascending leaves. It is a short-stemmed member of Agavaceae. The species lacks rhizomes. The arching or reflexed leaf blades are green. It is presumed to flower in early summer.

The species is a subject of conservation concerns. Development threatens remaining habitat, in addition to hurricanes such as the destructive 2004 and 2005 Atlantic hurricane seasons. The tracks of Charley, Frances, and Jeanne overlapped the species' habitat in central Florida.

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