Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Spice lily, Texas tuberose

Family: Asparagaceae subfam. Agavoideae

Synonym: Manfreda maculosa

Distribution: Mexico to southern Texas, USA.

Habitat: Frequent in open or dense dry shrublands (chaparral) on various soils, commonly along bluffs, slopes, rocks and ravines, and in moist oak woods. Rosettes often below low shrubs.

Life form: Deciduous perennial

Comments: This species is the main host plant for the caterpillars of the rare Manfreda Giant-Skipper or Aloe Skipper (Stallingsia maculosus (= Stallingsia smithi)). Loss of Agave macualata would threaten the survival of the butterflies. Small mammals, javelina, deer, and feral pigs feed on new flower stalks often preventing reproduction, and leaves which can weaken or kill plants especially during drought.