Plants

sisal

Agave sisalana Perrine

Family: Asparagaceae · Genus: Agave

sisal hemp

Placenta II Low Mulch biomass

Xerophytic agave domesticated in Mesoamerica and produced at scale in Bahia. Rebello lists it among species adapted to very dry Caatinga environments, alongside forage cactus and red physic-nut. Leaves yield strong fiber; tolerates extreme drought and poor soils. In syntropic systems acts as a cobertura-biomass accumulator in early phases.

Götsch succession

Götsch stage: Placenta II
Ecological role: Pioneer
Primary stratum: Low
Strata: Low, Ground cover
Biomass class: Mulch biomass

Environment

Light requirement: Full sun
Water requirement: Low
Drought tolerance: High
Waterlogging tolerance: None
Soil pH range: 6.1–7.8
Preferred soil texture: Sandy, Loamy
Hardiness zones: 9–11

Morphology

Mature height: 1–2 m
Root system: Fibrous
Root depth: Shallow
Growth rate: Moderate
Lifespan: 7–12 years
Productive lifespan: 8 years

Biomes & climate

Caatinga Naturalized

Köppen classes

Hot semi-arid (BSh) Suitable
Hot desert (BWh) Suitable
Tropical savanna with dry winter (Aw) Suitable

Where it fits in a guild

Sisal takes the Low stratum in the Placenta II phase of succession — in a guild it shares the line with species from the other strata, each harvesting light at its own height, in its own time.

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