HEIGHT up to 60 ft (18 m)TYPE Semi-evergreen
OCCURRENCE S. Mexico
A fast-growing tree, the avocado was first cultivated in Central America, but it is now grown throughout the tropics. Its eggshaped or pear-shaped fruits have yellowish flesh, with a buttery texture, which is exceptionally rich in proteins and oils. In its native habitat, the tree sheds its leaves briefly during the dry season, when it flowers. BARK Dark gray-brown, smooth. LEAF Alternate, glossy dark green above, whitish below, variable in shape. FLOWER Pale green to yellowgreen, three petal-like lobes, with nine stamens; in racemes. FRUIT Yellow to black drupe, speckled with yellow dots or raised spots.
