Hechtia texensis
(Texas False Agave)
Hechtia texensis, Ernst Tinaja, Big Bend National Park 4810
Hechtia texensis, Mule Ears, Big Bend National Park 0731/0741
Hechtia texensis, Ernst Tinaja, Big Bend National Park 4819
Hechtia texensis, Mule Ears, Big Bend National Park 0747
Hechtia texensis, Hot Springs-RGV Trail, Big Bend National Park 8199
Hechtia texensis, Mule Ears, Big Bend National Park 0749
| Scientific Name | Hechtia texensis | USDA PLANTS Symbol | HETE7 |
| Common Name | Texas False Agave, Guapilla | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 42347 |
| Family | Bromeliaceae (Bromeliad) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Dry limestone slopes and mesas; rocky, gravely soils; desert environment. Plant: Leafy succulent shrub with flowering stalk up to several feet tall, forming clusters up to 3 feet across; sharp barbs on stalk. Leaves: Dense basal rosettes of greenish yellow linear-triangular blades with sharp spines on tips and sharp teeth along edges, recurving (curved backwards) and covered with small scales on the upper surface. Inflorescence: Branched, loose clusters up to 8 inches long of inconspicuous, small, white flowers; monoecious (pistillate and staminate flowers on the same plant). Bloom Period: Spring References: Flora of North America, "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, and Texas A&M. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024