Common Name: |
Avocado |
Other Names: |
Alligator Pear |
Botanical Name: |
Persea americana |
Genus: |
Persea |
Family: |
Lauraceae |
Native Location: |
C America |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, medium loam, pH5.5-6.5, in full sun, between 20-28°C (68-82°F), with humidity above 60 percent (avocados); some Mexican and Guatemalan cultivars withstand low temperatures but do not usually flower or fruit well as a result. Avocados are prone to root rot, fungal leaf spot and, under glass, to whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs. Rich, moist, slightly acidic soil in sun or partial shade (P. borbonia). |
Propagation: |
By seed sown when ripe in sandy soil mix, with upper half above surface, at 20-28°C (68-82°F) (avocado). Soak seed in hot water for 30 minutes, then cut off 1cm (3/8in) from tip of seed, before sowing. By seed sown when ripe, chilled for 7 days before sowing (P. borbonia). |
Harvest: |
Fruits are picked when ripe and used fresh or pressed for oil. Leaves are collected during the growing season and dried for infusions. Bark is removed from young branches after pruning for use in decoctions. |
Varieties: |
Hass Is a prolific Guatemalan x Mexican variety, bearing medium-sized, pear-shaped to oviod, dark purple to black fruits. |
Pollock Is a West Indian avocado with few but very large, oblong to pear-shaped, glossy fruits, to 2kg (5lbs). |
Wurtz Syn. Little Cado Is a slow-growing Guatemalan cultivar with a small, weeping habit and small to medium green fruits. Suitable for containers and greenhouse cultivation. Height: 2.5-3m (8-10ft) Width: 2.5-3m (8-10ft). |
|
Height: |
10-15m (30-45ft) |
:Width |
10-15m (30-45ft) |
Hardiness: |
Min. 10°C (50°F) |
Parts Used: |
Fruits, seeds, leaves, bark, oil. |
Properties: |
A nutritious, emollient (fruits), astringent (seeds, bark) herb that is diuretic, carminative, and lowers blood pressure (leaves). Leaves and bark stimulate the uterus. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for high blood pressure (leaves), coughs and colds, fever, diarrhea, digestive and bronchial complaints (bark, leaves), dysentery, intestinal obstructions (seeds). Externally for headaches, rheumatism, and sprains (poultice of leaves), dry skin, scalp, and hair, and to stimulate hair growth (fruits, oil). |
Culinary Uses: |
Fruits are eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, and spreads (guacamole); also used to make ice cream, desserts, and iced drinks. Oil is used in salad dressings. Leaves are made into tea or toasted as a flavoring for bean stews. |
Bibliography: |
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 308
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