Succulent

Plants with thickened leaves or stems that store water—an adaptation to arid or seasonally dry regions. Many feature geometric shapes and low maintenance requirements, making them popular in container and xeric gardens.

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  Agave: A Plant with an Intoxicating History

  Agave, a genus of about 200 monocot species native to the Americas, is best known today as the source of tequila. Beyond spirits, agave has long held cultural, religious, and environmental significance, shaping ancient Amerindian life, European botany, Mexican identity, and modern sustainability efforts.
  succulent, desert, fiber, beverage
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  Dracaena draco: The Mystery of Dragon’s Blood

  Despite its mythical name, “dragon’s blood” is a vivid red resin harvested from certain trees, most notably Dracaena draco and D. cinnabari. This story unpacks the centuries-old mystery of its origins and how human demand has threatened these iconic trees in the modern era.
  succulent, ornamental, subtropical