Two new Agave species (Agavaceae) from central Arizona and their putative pre-Columbian domesticated origins

摘要: Recent fieldwork in central Arizona resulted the discovery of two agaves that display low seed set, reproduce mainly by vegetative means, have restricted distributions, and cannot be readily assigned to any existing species. These are closely associated with archaeological structures features can found growing other previously described pre-Columbian Agave domesticates. Herein we describe verdensis A. yavapaiensis, species placed within Gentry’s informal Ditepalae group, propose they clonal relict The affinities chrysantha, shrevei, delamateri, latter also a domesticate. We provide key distinguish these from adjacent northern Mexico which may confused. new brings total number putative domesticates five