A genus known for fibers obtained from their leaves: sisal from A. sisalana, henequen from A. fourcroyoides and A. cantala, or Manila-Maguey fiber from A. cantala. Some species provide a sap that is fermented to an intoxicating drink, called pulque in Mexico. Some contain agavesides.

Synonyms: Century Plants, txid39509, txid39510, Magueys, Maguey, Plants, Century, Plant, Century, Agaves, Agave, Century Plant