A New Cultivar in Sisal from East Africa

Abstract

A new cultivar in Agave sisalana Perro ex Engelm. is proposed, based on plant material selected by Mr. Lensing on Lomolo Estate,Kenya. This cultivar is a member of a group of sisal aberrants reluctant to flower, commonly referred to as non-flowering sisal, but unlike those previously observed, it has such leaf characters that it is suitable for use in commercial fibre production. Its history and detailed notes on cultivation and production are presented. A cytotaxonomical note and a full botanical description and illustration are added.