The name of a genus of plants growing in tropical America. The principal species is known as the American Aloe, or century plant, under the idea that it blooms but once in a hundred years. This is a mistake, its period of blooming being about ten years. It is called maguey by the Mexicans, who distil from its sap an intoxicating drink. The coarse thread called sisal hemp is made from the fibres of its leaves.