MADURAI: Century plant which is considered unique and rare has now bloomed in Lady Doak College campus in Madurai and is drawing public attention and botanists’ study.
“It is something exciting that happened in our college because the blooming of Agave americana (known as Century Plant) is something rare and hence the local community’s interest. This plant is known for its dramatic flowering which occurs infrequently and only after many years of growth. Flowering stalks usually appear only when the plant is between 10 to 30 years old. It is native to Mexico and southern US. Agave americana belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), a press release received from LDC here yesterday-January 11th 2025- has informed.
In Tamil Nadu, the flowering stalk is often referred to as ‘rope flower’ because of its tall rope-like appearance. “Locally, this plant is sometimes called as ‘Kodichedi’ in Tamil which means rope plant reflecting its distinctive shape. Assistant professor of botany in The American College here Dr.D.Stephen has authenticated the species and the plant in our college thereby giving scientific credibility to the local people’s admiration of this plant,” the LDC press release added.
