What WAS that plant in the garden?

Monday, 05 May 2008

Our Homes TodayLast week in Our Homes TODAY we printed a story about a mystery plant that had grown to dizzying heights over the summer on Reay and Brian Neben’s rural property. Given to the Nebens many years ago, the plant unobtrusively occupied space in the bottom of the garden – until its growth spurt, that is.Reay’s curiosity was peaked, along with the plant’s soaring height, and she undertook some research. It was established that the plant was an agave, although the exact type remained a mystery. Our Homes TODAY then asked whether readers had any clues as to the plant’s identity. John Grogan from Half Moon Bay contacted Our Homes TODAY and said he has two plants either the same as the Nebens or very similar, on his beach property at Pauanui. John’s agaves have been identified as furcraea foetida, which are sometimes known as furcraea gigantean. They were planted in 2003 and have also produced tall stems approximately 8 metres tall.