Henequen is a fiber crop, just like its close relative Sisal. Its fibers are used to produce ropes, but are considered of lower quality than sisal.
Henequen (also called Heniquen) is common in Mexico, where it is not only used as a fiber crop, but also to produce an alcoholic drink called: Licor del henequén.
The plants cannot produce seed but are propagated using bulbils or suckers.
Names
Scientific
Agave fourcroydes
English
Henequen
Henequin
Heniquen
Dutch
Witte sisal
Yucatánsisal
Spanish
Henequén
Taxonomy
Genus
Agave
Family
Agavaceae
Order
Asparagales
Basic information and facts
Origin:
Distribution:
Henequen is common in Mexico.
Annual, biennial, or perennial:
Flowers:
Leaves:
Leaves are sword-shaped and 1.2 to 1.8 meters long. The leaves grow out of a thick stem that is up to 1.7 meters tall. The leaves have at regular intervals small teeth of 3 to 6 mm long. The terminal spine of the leaf is 2 to 3 cm long.
Fruits:
Henequen is a sterile hybrid does not produce seeds.
Climate and weather:
Pollination:
Height:
Spacing:
Propagation:
Henequen can be propagated using its bulbils or suckers.
Insect pests:
Diseases:
Harvesting:
Uses:
Fibers of Henequen are used to produce ropes. henequen is also used to produce ‘Licor del henequén’ which is an alcoholic drink.