Download

Tree Species (Scientific Name)

Persea americana

Tree Family

Lauraceae

Average Leaf Size (cm)

12.63cm

Length

6.06cm

Width

Tree Height

Small (10–20m)

Elevational Range (m)

400–1800m

Distribution

Native

Exotic

Exotic in Peru

Native to

Region

Americas

Latin America

Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua

Exotic in

Latin America

Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Venezuela

Coffee Agroforestry Information

Coffee System

Arabica

Coffee Impact

Unknown

Prevalence

Common in Coffee Agroforestry

Cultivation

Planted

Natural

Tree Management

It is propagated by seeds or grafts in nurseries. Avocados grow best in deep, well-drained soils and should be protected from frost and strong winds when relevant. Thick mulch should be placed around the plants and fertilizer should be applied occasionally. Avocado fruits, leaves, stems and seeds are poisonous to some animals and birds (the leaves are the most toxic part).

Tree Benefits and Uses

Farmer Uses

Food
Medicinal
Product

Its leaves are used to combat fever, menstrual cramps and migraine. The pulp of ripe fruits is edible and eaten raw and in soups and salads. It is used to make ice cream and sweets. It is rich in vitamin B2, A and E, also contains sugar, starch and fats. Used in cosmetics and toiletries. The seeds produce a milky juice that has been used as ink to mark flax and clothing.

Farm Services

Unknown

Biodiversity Benefits

Yes

Its pulp is a valuable source of energy, proteins and minerals.

Citations

Persea Americana (Mill.) in Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Tree Atlas (2022). STRI. https://panamabiota.org/stri/taxa/index.php?taxon=Persea+americana&formsubmit=Search+Terms on 2022-07-06;

Plants of the World Online POWO (2022). "Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org;

Penagos, J.C. & S. Madriñán 2022-7-12. Persea americana Mill. En Bernal, R., S.R. Gradstein & M. Celis (eds.). 2015.;

Catálogo de plantas y líquenes de Colombia. Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá.;

Mendoza, A. L. M., & Guerrero, M. H. (2010). Catálogo de los árboles y afines de la Selva Central del Perú. Arnaldoa, 17, 203-242. http://catalogoplantasdecolombia.unal.edu.co

Pectinopitys harmsiana

Diablo fuerte

Pinus tecunumanii

Pine, Pino rojo