Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Persea americana
Food
Medicinal
Product
English Common Name
Avocado
Peru Common Name
Palto, Aguacate
Tree Family
Lauraceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
12.63cm
Length
×
6.06cm
Width
Tree Height
Small (10–20m)
Elevational Range (m)
400–1800m
0 3000
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

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