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Table 2 Characteristics of the traditional varieties of agaves identified by producers in the state of Michoacán

From: Management, morphological and genetic diversity of domesticated agaves in Michoacán, México

Traditional variety name

Main features

Location (measured plants)

Taxonomic identity

Verde

It is the most widely used variety, for the quantity and quality of its sap, produces on average 3 L a day, for 4 months and is valued for the high sweetness of its sap. This maguey exceeds 2 m in height, is leafy, with broad leaves and mostly grooved towards the tip, and has lateral spaced teeth and a prominent terminal thorn. Its coloration is an intense green and is very abundant in both locations.

SU and T (n = 17)

Agave salmiana var. salmiana Álvarez-Ríos collection 7, 8

Negro

It is a variety recognized by the attributes that are similar to “Verde” variety; it is only distinguished because it has a darker green coloration. Just one producer identifies it in SU, the rest do not distinguish between “Verde” and “Negro” variety.

SU (n = 18)

A. salmiana var. salmiana Álvarez-Ríos collection 9, 10

Tarímbaro

This variety is little used in SU, so its abundance is reduced, producers say that the sap is not as sweet as Verde variety, but produces more, about four liters on average per day. It is larger and reaches 3 m high; its leaves are thin and long, so they lose rigidity. The lateral teeth are small and seem to disappear. It receives the name of Tarímbaro since according to the producers this variety was brought from that locality.

SU (n = 2)

A. mapisaga var. mapisaga Álvarez-Ríos collection 13, 14

Cenizo

This variety is not abundant in SU, only two individuals were registered. It is little used since it is affirmed that the sap is insipid and the produced pulque is not so good. This variety has a grayish appearance, hence the name "Cenizo." It is smaller than other varieties, and it does not reach 2 m high, with small erect leaves; it has big lateral teeth with a hook shape. It produces one and a half liters per day.

SU (n = 2)

Most probably A. americana var. americana Álvarez-Ríos collection 1, 2

Listoncillo

Its characteristics are the same as “Tarímbaro” variety. People name it “Listoncillo,” because of its length, it is thin, and its fallen leaves, which resemble a ribbon. Producers also claim that their sap is less sweet than “Verde” variety, it gives 4 L on average per day for five months. In T, it is as abundant as “Verde” variety; it is common to find exclusive accumulations of this variety.

T (n = 27)

A. mapisaga var. mapisaga Álvarez-Ríos collection 11, 12

Blanco

It is a grayish variety, with slightly grooved and erect leaves. It exceeds two meters in height, its lateral teeth are hooked and has a big terminal spine. It is less used than “Verde” and “Listoncillo” variety because the aguamiel is not as rich (tasty), since for producers it is less sweet. It produces one and a half liters per day.

T (n = 2)

Most probably A. americana var. americana Álvarez-Ríos collection 5, 6

Carrizaleño

It is a grayish agave, with slightly flat and erect leaves that have a peculiar widening in the middle part. It is about 2 m high, without being leafy. They are particularly fibrous, as a person interviewed said "they are very hard, they are like reeds," hence their name. It has hooked lateral teeth. Its sap is very sweet at the beginning of production, but after a month and a half or 2 months, according to people interviewed, it becomes insipid "it becomes like water". This is the variety that is in lowest proportion in T. It produces one and a half liters per day.

T (n = 4)

Most probably A. americana var. americana Álvarez-Ríos collection 3, 4

  1. SU Santiago Undameo, T Tarímbaro, *according to Gentry 1982