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Ashburton Herald, Volume I, Issue 242, 9 January 1879, Page 2

The Agave Americana. —The “ Otago Daily Times ” states that three or four weeks ago an American aloe in Mr. Matthews’ ground, Moray place, Dunedin commenced to throw up a gigantic flower stem, which has now reached a height of 20 feet, tapering from 6 inches at the base to 4 inches at the apex and bearing near the summit a number of bractea. The “Times” says the plant will probably bear 3000 or 4000 blooms, and is probably the first to bloom in New Zealand. It may be interesting to the “ Times ” to learn that in Nelson city Mr. Joseph Garrard, wharfinger, had a plant of the Agave Americana in bloom two years ago, and that several residents in that city have had blooming aloe plants. Mr. H. C. Daniell, Commissioner of Crown Lands for Nelson, also had one in bloom many years ago, so also had Dr. Renwick —in fact the thing is common in the genial climate of Nelson. Aloe Fibre. —Aloe fibre Is becoming popular as a material for rope-making, and is beginning to force itself into notice in England. Rope made from aloe fibre is said to be as strong as wire cordage, infinitely more supple, and almost imperishable in salt water. The best fibre is obtained from the kind of aloe known as “Adam’s needle,” which grows luxurantly in some parts of New Zealand.