
Mescal plant, New Mexico, 2011
Mescal or Agave (Mescalero Apache name: Astaneh. Scientific name: Agave parryi)
The mescal plant is primarily used as a food source. The sap is collected and fermented as a mild liquor (pulque), that when distilled produces mescal or tequila. Some other tribes use agave to treat wounds, rashes, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Courtesy R.D. Richins