Manfreda maculosa Family: Agavaceae Common Name(s): Grown by: Linda Baptiste, Martinez Commonly called Texas tuberose, this Agave relative is often sold at cactus and succulent sales. Manfredas have straplike leaves that are often spotted and mottled with purple. It looks like a small rosette until summer when very quickly a 3 or 4 foot stalk emerges from which hang large spidery flowers in shades of white to purple. They usually are fragrant although Linda says the one shown is not. They do well in a container or in well drained soil where they can be protected from snails. Manfredas grow in full sun or part shade and need regular water when they are in active growth. Photo by Linda Baptiste