[4] The flower clusters are located at the top and are funnel-shaped in purples, reds, and yellows.

[4][5] The leaves are long, tough, and rigid, with very sharp, hard points that can easily penetrate clothing and even leather, giving the colloquial name "shin-daggers".

[7] The plant makes up a large part of the diet of the collared peccary (javelina) in some areas.

[9] The water stored in the flowering stalks of this plant, rich in salts and minerals, is sold in Mexico as a sport drink.

Native Mexicans have used fibers from the leaves (commonly called ixtle).