Avocado - Persea americana (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Avocado

Also known as: Alligator pear

Persea americana, widely known as the avocado plant, is an evergreen tree (semi-deciduous in cooler climates) that is native to Central America. It is cultivated all over the world for its nutritious fruits. Avocado has become an important plant in many cuisines due to its high nutrient and fat content, creamy texture, and distinct taste.

Scientific classification

Species

Avocado (Persea americana)

Laurels, spicebushes and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Early fall

Harvest Time

10 m to 20 m

Plant Height

10 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

5 mm to 1 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Purple

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Avocado

Distribution of Avocado

Distribution Map

Avocado is native to Central America, growing primarily in tropical climates with plenty of sun and moisture. The trees are also cultivated as a crop in South America, Florida, and several countries in Africa, East Asia and South Asia.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Humid lowland forests on limestone formations

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Economic Value

The seed kernel is rich in fat, and is an important edible oil and an important industrial and mining oil. It can also produce margarine and soap.

Beauty Improvement Value

It is an anti-oxidant and anti-aging, protecting the health of the uterus.

Garden Use

Avocado is cultivated for itsedible fruit. This tree typically only grows in hot, dry climates and can be difficult to develop. However, it can be grown as a garden ornamental or as an indoor potted plant, without producing fruit. In outdoor landscapes it considered a successor plant, growing where other plants have already resided.

Symbolism

Happiness, love, fidelity, desire, male potence

Interesting Facts

Avocados have rough skin, like crocodile skin. Avocados taste like butter. They are good as side dishes such as in a salad or on bread. They have high nutritional value.

Name Story

Avocado: The word "avocado" comes from an English render of the Spanish aguacate as avogato. Sometimes the Nahuatl word was used with the meaning "testicle", probably because of the similarity between the fruit and the body part.

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Toxicity

Avocado is toxic to cats and dogs, specifically the fruits and seeds. Ingesting avocado can lead to severe health issues for both pets. If symptoms appear, seek immediate veterinary care. It’s crucial to monitor pets and prevent access to avocado to avoid poisoning.

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Quickly Identify Avocado

Oval, glossy dark green leaves, 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long.

Pear-shaped fruit with rough, alligator-like skin in green to black colors.

Inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers in branched panicles, bloom in spring.

Creamy textured edible flesh inside oval to pear-shaped fruit, 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm).

Distinctive elliptic leaves with smooth texture, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long.

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Care Guide for Avocado

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Avocado thrives in humid, subtropical climates and requires a balanced watering schedule, ideally once every 1-2 weeks. It prefers moderate soil moisture and benefits from mulching to retain moisture, reflecting its natural habitat. Typically grown outdoors, avocado is an evergreen plant.

Fertilize: Fertilize avocado with high phosphorus or balanced formulas to enhance root growth and fruit yield. Apply quarterly, adjusting for spring/summer growth, without over-fertilizing. Tailor applications to avocado's life stage, especially during fruiting, while reducing during dormancy to ensure vitality.

Pruning: Avocado thrives with strategic pruning in early to late spring, focusing on removing dead branches, thinning crowded areas, and cutting back young shoots. This timing supports growth, enhances sunlight exposure, reduces disease risk, and fosters overall plant health and fruitful yields.

Propagation: Avocado can be propagated through cuttings by selecting healthy growth and sterilizing tools to avoid infection. Ensure the cutting has a node, dip it in rooting hormone, and plant in moist soil. Cover with a plastic bag for humidity, maintaining consistent moisture and warmth to encourage root development.

Repotting: Repot avocado every 2-3 years in spring for optimal growth. Use a large pot to allow root expansion. Post-repotting, maintain consistent moisture and provide partial sunlight to support recovery and promote healthy growth.

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Images of Avocado

Distribution of Avocado

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Avocado

Care Guide for Avocado

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