1956 Press Photo Strange 'Pita' Plant In Buenos Aires

This Agave Dies When It Reaches Its Prime.. The Strange 'Pita' Plant In Buenos Aires: One of the strangest plants in the horticultural world is the "Pita" which comes from Mexico. It has a very curious behaviour. When it reaches the age of twenty to thirty years it flourishes for the first and only time in its life - for then the seed falls to the ground and the plant dies - and a new plant starts its life.. The inhabitants of Mexico cultivated the plant long before the discovery of America. They used the fibres of its leaves to make roofs for their houses. Its thorns were used for arrows and the roots served for the making of several medicines and also the very sweet juice of the plant is prepared into "Pulque" a very strong spirituous drink. The of these "Pita" plants were planted at the corner of the Mayo Avenue and the 9th. July Avenue in Buenos Aires, some years ago. Now the 'pitas' are covered with tiny yellow flowers - the sign that they must soon die. Photo shows The two Pita plants in bloom in Buenos Aires -showing behind the public works ministry.

Photo measures 8 x 10 inches.

Photo is dated 04-04-1956.



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