I think it's fairly obvious to any long-time observer of my photographs shared via BPotD that I enjoy photographs of natural patterns. I couldn't resist a close-up of this Agave at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. This photograph was taken when I visited there in late June of this year while attending the American Public Gardens Association annual conference. I've turned my attention that way while I prep some of my photographs for my upcoming presentation to the Dunbar Garden Club next Tuesday on "Public Gardens of California".

There isn't too much information about Agave 'Shark Skin' floating around, as it is a relatively new introduction. The New Ornamentals Society lists it as a hybrid between Agave victoria-reginae and Agave scabra. According to the marketing literature I could find, e.g., the 2008 New Varieties Showcase (PDF), I should have been brushing my fingertips against the plant to feel the skin of a shark. I'll pre-empt a contribution by Beverley today, and note the zonal information: recommended from zones 8-11 by at least one nursery, zones 9-11 by the marketing information in the link above.

Reviewing my photographs from the LA County Arboretum, I see I took quite a few photographs of agaves. I suspect I could quite happily spend many hours taking pattern photos of members of this genus.