Although it is a genetic relative to agave Espadàân, the most common agave used in mezcal production, agave Mexicano is less prevalent and, thus, is rarely used to produce mezcal. Like Espadàân, it grows to be large, with a high concentration of sugars. Its broad, serrated leaves, or pencas, often bear black tips. In some Zapotec dialects, this agave is called Ñdoba-daan' or Ñdob-daiin'.