A quiote grows in Alameda

Just how fast does a quiote grow? Well I had an opportunity recently to see first hand here in Alameda, CA where I live. Agave grows all over this island, sometimes as part of planned gardens, other times as haphazard leavings of bird, animal or wind, They are primarily Americanas but there are the occasional Tequilina Webers or even some variety of Potatorum. And while I have seen fully hatched quiotes, I have never had the occasion to witness one from its inception until out on a walk. I would have missed it completely if not for the flock of plastic pink flamingoes in the yard announcing a happy birthday to the woman of the house.

And so began my chronicling of the quiote’s growth, first tracking its progress each day and then just once a week. It has now begun flowering and I hope to eventually catch a hummingbird in the act of gathering nectar which who knows, could lead to an eventual birth of an Alameda only variety of agave. These photos chart its growth from March 1st to April 18th and it is clear the relationship between agave and asparagus, both being members of the Agavaceae family.

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