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Introduction: 
The Century Plant's scientific name is Agave americana.  This is a wonderful plant to see when it blooms because a large stalk grows up and out of the middle.  It lives in the Southwest Deserts. 
 

Adaptations:         

The first adaptation for the Century Plant is an interesting one.  After the white or greenish flowers bloom, the plant dies.  The roots, however, remain alive and then produce a new Agave.     

The next adaptation for the Century Plant is a common one for survival in the Sonoran Desert.  It has thick, fleshy leaves with sharp, spiny edges.  These are used for protection from harmful predators.       

The last of the Century Plant's adaptations is also an interesting one.  When the plant blooms, the clusters of flowers form on the upper portion of the stalk, away from non-flying  predators.  This allows the  plant to bloom fast and more efficiently and not be eaten.

Ethnobiology:      

The people of Mexico use the sap of the Century Plant and other Agave's to make beverages such as Pulque, Tequila, and Mescal. The long, tough fibers may be formed into thread, cord, and rope. The green leaves of the plants are used as fodder.  

Questions:  

  1. The first question for a science experiment that I would use, would be to see how the plant blooms, varying in species, and after one year, record the data.
  2.  The second question  was, how many uses there are for the bloomed Agave. 
Bibliography:

The World Book Encyclopedia, Copyright1990, USA. By World Book.

Alcock, John. Sonoran Desert and Springs.The University of Arizona Press.Tucson and Arizona.
Authors:
David D. and Scottie W.