<i>Mangave </i>plant named ‘Tequila Fire’

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Mangave plant named ‘TEQUILA FIRE’ is disclosed, characterized by a fiery red and green foliage color. Red foliar coloration increases in density with high light. Foliage is wide, soft and flexible and nearly spineless with no sharp terminal spine. Plants have a moderate growth rate and are slower to flower than other Mangaves, resulting in longer lived plants in cultivation. The new variety is an Mangave, typically produced as a garden or container plant.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Mangave plant named ‘TEQUILA FIRE’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical plant of ‘TEQUILA FIRE’ grown with some shade in a greenhouse in Vista, Calif. This plant is approximately about 24 months old, shown in a 2-gallon container.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates in full color a typical plant of ‘TEQUILA FIRE’ grown in high light, full sun in a greenhouse in Vista, Calif. This plant is approximately about 24 months old, shown in a 2-gallon container.

(3) The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance are as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(4) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart, 2007 edition, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘TEQUILA FIRE’ plants grown in a commercial greenhouse in Vista, Calif. Temperatures ranged from about 21° C. to 25° C. during the day, and 18° C. to 21° C. during the night. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments or chemical treatments were given to the plants. Natural light conditions were approximately 2500 to 3000 fc of light. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Mangave hybrid ‘TEQUILA FIRE’. Age of the plant described: About 18 months.

PROPAGATION

(5) Root description: Root Description: Thick (4 to 8 mm diameter), dense. Near RHS Yellow-White 158C. Propagation method: Tissue culture.

PLANT

(6) Growth habit: Succulent herbaceous perennial with basal rosettes of leaves radially arranged and slightly undulating. Central foliage is upright, older, outer foliage becomes more horizontal. Plants are radially-symmetrical. Acaulescent. Container size: 1 gallon. Height: Approximately 22 cm. Plant spread: Approximately 30 cm. Growth rate: Moderate. Branching characteristics: No branching.

FOLIAGE

(7) Leaf: Arrangement.—Rosette. Average length.—Average 19-21 cm. Average width.—Average 8 cm at the widest point. Shape of blade.—Broad lanceolate. Apex.—Acuminate with no sharp spine. Base.—Clasping. Aspect.—Upright, reflexed, undulate. Margin.—Slightly serrate, serrations small, about 3 mm tall and about 4 mm wide at base. weakly sharp/firm, spaced 3 to 7 mm apart. Texture of top surface.—Glabrous, smooth. Texture of bottom surface.—Glabrous, smooth. Quantity of leaves per plant.—Average 15. Color.—Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 138B and 138C, densely covered with irregularly sized rounded blotches colored near Greyed-Purple 185A and 185B. Blotches about 3 to 7 mm in diameter, densely spaced and overlapping. Red coloration covers about 50% of the leaf blade, with the red coloration densest in the center and base of the leaf. Young foliage under side: Near RHS Green 138B and 138C, densely covered with irregularly sized rounded blotches colored near Greyed-Purple 185A and 185B. Blotches about 3 to 7 mm in diameter, densely spaced and overlapping. Red coloration covers about 50% of the leaf blade, with the red coloration densest in the center and base of the leaf. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 138B, densely covered with irregularly sized rounded blotches colored near Greyed-Purple 185A and 185B. Blotches about 3 to 7 mm in diameter, densely spaced and overlapping. In higher light conditions the red coloration covers about 90% of the leaf blade. In shadier conditions red coloration covers about 60 to 70% of the leaf blade, with the red coloration densest in the center and base of the leaf. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Green 138B, densely covered with irregularly sized rounded blotches colored near Greyed-Purple 185A and 185B. Blotches about 3 to 7 mm in diameter, densely spaced and overlapping. In higher light conditions the red coloration covers about 90% of the leaf blade. In shadier conditions red coloration covers about 60 to 70% of the leaf blade, with the red coloration densest in the center and base of the leaf. Venation.—Linear. Color indistinguishable from leaf blade.

FLOWER

(8) Not observed.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

(9) Not observed.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(10) Seeds and fruits: Not observed. Temperature tolerance: Tolerates temperatures from approximately 0° to at least 35° C. Low temperature improved if plants are kept dry. Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to normal diseases and pests of Mangave observed.