Mr. Pickwick and Mr. Tupman have been arrested, accused of intending to fight a duel with Mr. Magnus. As they arrive at the municipal offices, it is said that there are "American Aloes" outside the entrance.
I couldn't imagine what they were.
"At the foot of a flight of steps, leading to the house door, which
was guarded on either side by an American aloe in a green tub,
the sedan-chair stopped. Mr. Pickwick and his friends were
conducted into the hall, whence, having been previously
announced by Muzzle, and ordered in by Mr. Nupkins, they were
ushered into the worshipful presence of that public-spirited officer."
A. americana (Century Plant; American Aloe; Maguey) is an interesting variety with large rosettes of thick, green leaves that grow 3 to 6 feet long and 6 to 9 inches wide. They are edged with sharp hooks. This plant will bloom after ten or more years, producing a tall flower spike that is 6 to 25 feet high and is covered with thick bunches of comparatively small, yellowish-green flowers. A. americana var. Variegata produces yellow margined leaves that grow up to 5 feet long. After twenty to thirty years, a flower spike, ranging in height from 6 to 25 feet, is produced on which large, fragrant, creamy flowers grow.
OP
