Avocado – Persea americana

Contributed by Linda

The avocado is an evergreen tree which grows to 6-8 m with a spread of 4-6 m and has a life span of 25-30 years. The fruit are rich in monounsaturated fats and so help maintain the level of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. They also have high levels of the antioxidant Vitamin E.

Types of Avocadoes

Avocadoes can be divided into the Guatemalan and the Mexican types: the Guatemalan bear larger fruit and are more sensitive to cold; the Mexican varieties have smaller fruit and can withstand temperatures as far down as -4°C. Avocadoes cross-pollinate with other avocado trees and these trees bear both male and female flowers. Usually, the male and female flowers are present at the same time so self-pollination occurs. To ensure a good crop plant two avocado trees, one of each variety A and B.