When Agave isn't masculine enough try a Mangave!

Remember the Manwich?  LOL.  It was a man's sandwich. 

Well, now there's  X Mangave.  X Mangaves are an intergeneric hybrid between Agaves and Manfredas.  They have the architectural interest of Agaves with the speckled fun of Manfredas. Why hasn't someone come up with a Manfreda called 'Kahlo' yet?!

Anywho,  a couple years ago I bought an unnamed Mangave from a succulent grower at the Riverside garden tour meeting area.  I had no idea how big it would get but now I know. And judging from the pups I would assume mine is full grown. It's about 2' x 2'.  The deep burgundy ends of the leaves and the spots are a real treat. I hate that I don't know the name of this beautiful clone. If I had to guess I would have to say that it was a hybrid of Agave desmetiana and a Manfreda. 

If you know the name of this plant, it's history or anything at all about it, will you please tell me? Thanks. 

Honey update

Nearly a year on and the beehive is finally in gear.  Just three weeks ago there was only a little honey stored in the top box, and so you can imagine my surprise when I could barely remove the top box just two weeks later.  I would estimate that they made about 35-40 pounds of honey in that two week period.  The bees were getting cramped for space so two medium supers were added.  This will give the gals plenty to do in the coming weeks.

We did feel empowered to take a little reward for the efforts.  With a steak knife and a bowl we cut out a stick of butter sized chuck of comb.  Seeing the honey ooze out of the comb switched on my inner Pooh bear. The taste was awesome, surprisingly not floral but more of a fresh bread flavor.

underside

medium frames being drawn out 

tasty void

chunk of honey goodness