Agave

Agave thrives in Ecuador.

It really is foundation to the Ecuadorian culture. They use it for soap, to heal, and to make Shigras which are purses. Fermented into a hooch. Found everywhere and multiple species.

The Agave flowers every 25 years. A long tree-like stalk with unimpressive flowers. Once it flowers it dies. I think one year Allan Gardens had their Agave flower and had to have it peek out of the roof.