century plant crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "century plant crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide accurate, quick solutions and helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "century plant crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
AGAVE: The most common and direct answer for 'century plant'. The name comes from the plant's long life cycle, sometimes decades, before it blooms once and then dies.
More About "century plant crossword"
The term "century plant" is a popular common name primarily used for species within the genus Agave. While the name suggests the plant takes 100 years to flower, this is an exaggeration. Most Agave species actually take between 10 to 30 years, or sometimes even longer in colder climates, to produce their impressive flower stalk. After flowering, the plant dies, a reproductive strategy known as monocarpic.
These plants are native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas, from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to northern South America. Agaves are highly versatile, with various species cultivated for their ornamental value, as well as for products like tequila (from Blue Agave), agave nectar, and fibers.
In crossword puzzles, "century plant" almost exclusively points to AGAVE due to its widespread recognition under this common name and its distinct life cycle, making it a favorite among puzzle constructors for its concise and unique association.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue Carefully: Always break down the clue. "Century plant" is a common name, not a scientific one, but it points to a specific plant known by that epithet. Look for specific words or phrases that might hint at a less common answer, but for this clue, AGAVE is dominant.
- Consider Letter Count: After determining a likely answer like AGAVE, immediately check if its letter count (5) matches the number of available boxes in your puzzle. This is a crucial step in confirming your hunch.
- Think Common Knowledge: Crossword puzzles often rely on widely known facts or common names. "Century plant" is a prime example of a common name that has a definitive, widely accepted botanical counterpart, which often translates directly into the puzzle's solution.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: If you're unsure, try solving other clues that intersect with the "century plant" answer. Even one or two confirmed letters can significantly help narrow down possibilities, often confirming AGAVE early on.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'AGAVE' the typical answer for 'century plant'?
The common name 'century plant' is most famously attributed to species within the Agave genus. Although they don't literally take a century to bloom, they have an extended life cycle (often 10-30 years) before producing a single, spectacular flower stalk and then dying, making 'AGAVE' the most precise and commonly accepted crossword answer.
Are there other plants sometimes referred to as 'century plants' in crosswords?
While 'AGAVE' is overwhelmingly the primary answer, sometimes a crossword might use a broader term for a succulent or a long-lived plant if the clue is ambiguous or specifically points to a different characteristic. However, for a direct 'century plant' clue, 'AGAVE' is almost always what the constructor is looking for.
How can I remember 'AGAVE' for future puzzles?
Associate 'AGAVE' with its distinctive spiky leaves and its use in making tequila (agave nectar). The 'century plant' aspect is its long wait to flower. If you see 'century plant' in a crossword, think 'A-G-A-V-E' and its five letters.