Furcraea quicheensis Trel. is a highland species from Guatemala and Mexico named after the Quiché (K’iche’) people of the Guatemalan highlands — one of the largest Maya groups. This relatively poorly known furcraea is listed among the species cultivated for fibre in tropical America (PROSEA database) and is of potential horticultural interest for its montane origin, which suggests better cold tolerance than lowland tropical furcraeas.
Taxonomy and nomenclature
Described by William Trelease. Family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. POWO accepts the name. The species was included in García-Mendoza’s revision of Mexican furcraeas and is part of the broader complex of Mesoamerican fibre-producing furcraeas.
Common names
No widely established English common name. Locally known as maguey (Guatemala).
Morphological description
Information on the morphology of Furcraea quicheensis is limited in the horticultural literature. It is described as a large rosette-forming succulent typical of the genus, with sword-shaped leaves and a monocarpic flowering habit. PROSEA lists it among the fibre-producing furcraeas, implying leaves of sufficient size for fibre extraction. Detailed measurements are not readily available from published garden sources.
Distribution and natural habitat
POWO gives the native range as Mexico to Guatemala. The species is associated with the Guatemalan highlands (1,500–2,500 m), which experience cool nights and seasonal drought. This montane origin suggests a degree of cold tolerance greater than lowland tropical furcraeas like Furcraea cabuya, but real-world garden data is essentially absent.
Cultivation guide
| Hardiness | −3 to −5 °C / 23–27 °F (estimated, USDA zones 9a–9b) |
| Light | Full sun (estimated) |
| Soil | Well-drained (estimated) |
| Water | Low to moderate (estimated) |
| Documentation level | ★★ — cold-hardiness estimate based on altitude of origin; minimal garden data |
The hardiness estimate of −3 to −5 °C is extrapolated from the species’ montane origin in the Guatemalan highlands and by analogy with other highland furcraeas of similar altitude range (comparable to Furcraea selloa). This estimate should be treated with caution — no published garden trial data could be found for Furcraea quicheensis. Forum reports mentioning the species suggest it may be among the hardier furcraeas, but this remains anecdotal.
Gardeners interested in trialling this species should obtain material from specialist succulent nurseries or botanical garden exchanges and treat it as comparable to Furcraea selloa in terms of cultural requirements and cold protection.
References
García-Mendoza, A.J. (2000). Revisión taxonómica de las especies arborescentes de Furcraea (Agavaceae) en México y Guatemala. Boletín de la Sociedad Botánica de México, 66, 113–129.
POWO (2026). Furcraea quicheensis Trel. Plants of the World Online, Kew.