How to identify Silk bay (Persea humilis)

Photo By jayhorn , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Silk bay (Persea humilis)

Silk bay exhibits traits of both a small deciduous tree and a large shrub, reaching heights roughly between 4 to 20 feet (1.2 to 6 meters). It possesses simple, glossy, and evergreen leaves, which create a dense foliage throughout the year. The leaves may vary, including obovate to lanceolate shapes with smooth edges. Typical for identification are its small, inconspicuous flowers, which are succeeded by yellow-green fruit that mature over time to become a dark, rather purplish color. Silk bay's adaptability to well-drained, sandy soils and full sunlight make it suitable for various habitats.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Quickly Identify Silk bay

Evergreen leaves range from obovate to lanceolate, creating dense foliage year-round.

Small, inconspicuous flowers develop into yellow-green fruit, maturing to dark purplish color.

Rounded drupe fruit turns deep black when ripe, containing a single large seed.

Leaves are oblong to elliptic, dark green above and lighter beneath, emitting aromatic fragrance.

Fruit measures 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter, smooth-textured with creamy flesh.

Detailed Traits of Silk bay

Leaf Features

The leaves of silk bay are oblong to elliptic, measuring 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length and 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3 cm) in width. They are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green underneath. Veins are pronounced, forming a pinnate pattern. The leaf margins are smooth, and the texture is leathery with a glossy finish. A distinctive feature is the aromatic fragrance emitted when the leaves are crushed.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of silk bay is a rounded drupe that attains maturity by transitioning to a deep black color. This glossy-skinned fruit encases a single large seed within its fleshy body. When ripe, it typically measures about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter. The texture of the fruit is smooth to the touch, and its flesh can be expected to be creamy and rich when consumed. The uniform black hue of the ripened fruit is a distinguishing characteristic that aids in its identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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