century plant crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "century plant crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide the most accurate answers and insightful explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "century plant crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
AGAVE: The most common and correct answer. Agave is a genus of monocots native to the hot and arid regions of the Americas, known for its large rosette of fleshy leaves and its single, often spectacular, flowering event after many years, leading to its "century plant" nickname.
More About "century plant crossword clue"
The term "century plant" is a common name primarily given to certain species of the Agave genus, most notably Agave americana. This plant is renowned for its impressive lifespan and the dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime flowering event that precedes its demise. While the name suggests a 100-year cycle, this is a popular misconception. In reality, these plants typically flower after 10 to 30 years, depending on the species and environmental conditions, before the main rosette dies back, often after producing offsets or "pups" from its base.
Agave plants are incredibly resilient and thrive in arid, desert-like conditions. They are succulent plants, meaning they store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, allowing them to withstand prolonged droughts. Beyond their ornamental value and the crossword clue association, Agave plants have significant economic importance. For instance, some species are used to produce tequila and mezcal, while others provide fibers for textiles and ropes.
When you encounter "century plant" in a crossword, it almost invariably refers to AGAVE. Its unique characteristics and common name make it a popular and straightforward clue once you know the answer. Understanding the plant's biology and its common misconception can also help in future, more cryptic, botanical clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Common Names: Crossword clues often use the most popular or common names for plants, animals, and objects, rather than their scientific classifications. "Century plant" is a prime example of a widely recognized common name.
- Consider Letter Count: Always check the number of letters required. This immediately narrows down possibilities and can confirm whether your initial guess like AGAVE (5 letters) fits the slot.
- Look for Misconceptions/Facts: Clues sometimes play on popular myths or interesting facts associated with the answer. The "century" aspect of the century plant clue is a classic example of this. Knowing these tidbits can unlock many answers.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: Use any already filled-in letters from crossing words to confirm or reject your potential answers. This is a fundamental crossword strategy.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Agave called a 'century plant'?
Despite its name, the Agave plant does not literally take 100 years to bloom. It typically flowers once after 10 to 30 years, after which the plant usually dies, leading to the 'century' misconception. The long wait for a single dramatic flowering event contributed to the popular, albeit misleading, moniker.
Are there any other crossword answers for 'century plant'?
While AGAVE (5 letters) is overwhelmingly the most common answer for 'century plant' in crosswords, the specific length or a tricky setter might occasionally point to related botanical terms. However, if you see 'century plant', AGAVE is almost certainly what's intended.
How can I improve my knowledge of plant-related crossword clues?
To excel at plant-related clues, familiarize yourself with common botanical terms, well-known plant species, and their unique characteristics (e.g., succulents, annuals, perennials). Reading up on general biology or gardening facts can also be very helpful. Pay attention to the clue's wording – it often hints at a specific family or characteristic.