Agave Potatorum (tobalá)

The A. potatorum species, most commonly known as tobalá in Oaxaca, grows in all 16 regions of the state. Wild Oaxacan tobalá was virtually wiped out in the mezcal gold rush at the start of the 2000s. Tobala has always been rare because it comes from a very small plant that generally grows in remote, rocky areas, but it is now widely cultivated and making a comeback.

Common varieties in the species include papalométl, biliá, and tobalá.

Tobalá has varying shades of green, shorter wide pencas, round to squat piña and penca silhouette, and generally matures in 7-10 years. This agave has a medium sugar content. It generally reproduces via seed.