Century plant (Agave americana) in flower. The century plant consists of leaves on the ground at lower right and a tall stem that contains the flowers (centre). The trees in the background are long-spine Acacia (Acacia macracantha). This succulent plant is used in herbal medicine in the treatment of wounds, diarrhoea and dysentery. The roots are used to treat toothache and syphilis. Photographed in the Inter-Andean valley, near Quito, Ecuador.