Agave titanota 'Black Whale' (Kokugei)

Kokugei ('Black Whale') is a titanota variant raised in Taiwan. According to a Japanese succulent encyclopedia, it is often assumed to be Hakugei whose spines look black when wet, but its form shows it to be a separate line, with short, thick leaves gathered into a rounded rosette. It resembles 'Azarashi' and also 'Black and Blue'. Hakugei is admired for its thin white margin and small wavy teeth, and because the names pair up the two are often compared; Black Whale is told apart by its thicker leaves and rounded habit. No source documents its raiser or naming. Plants with marginal variegation also circulate and are treated as distinct from the plain form. Plants traded as titanota also include what has recently been described as A. oteroi, and the classification is not settled. In Japan it is offered by specialist nurseries, online shops and auctions. Care is the same as for other titanota: strong light, good airflow and a dry regime keep the leaves compact and true to form. To keep the leaves short and thick, give plenty of light and little water.

The Agave titanota 'Black Whale' (Kokugei) grows to Titanota rosettes range from 30 to 90 cm across (little data per cultivar).

Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough