Tisswood


A genus of about 150 species of evergreen tress and shrubs, found in tropical and subtropical America, Macronesia, and SE Asia. Avocado is a major crop in many warm regions worldwide for its nutritious fruits, which are rich in oil, vitamin A, B1 and B2, and have the highest protein content of any fruits (about 25 percent). Including avocados regularly in the diet helps lower cholesterol levels. There are three main kinds of avocado; Guatemalan, which are common in Florida and Australia, with thick, granular skins that peel easily, and a high oil content (18-27 percent); Mexican cultivars, with aromatic, anise-scented foliage, and thin skins that cling to the flesh; and West Indian varieties, which have very large fruits, weighing up to 5lbs (2kg), with pliable, leathery skin, and a low oil content. Red Bays (Persea borbonia, P. humilis, and P. palustris) have aromatic leaves that are reminiscent of sweet bay (Laurus nobilis, See Sweet Bay) and can be used as a substitute. Similarly Litsea glaucescens (Mexican Bay), which also belongs to the family Lauraceae, is used to give a bay-like flavor in Mexican cuisine.

Small evergreen tree with ascending, red-brown branches, and lustrous, lanceolate, tapering leaves, to 15cm (6in) long. Creamy white to yellow, bell-shaped flowers, 1-2cm (3/8-¾in) long, are produced in clusters in the axils in spring, followed by blue-black fruits, 0.5cm (¼in) across, with a powdery or waxy coating and persistent calyx.

Common Name:	Tisswood
Other Names:	Red Bay
Botanical Name:	Persea borbonia
Genus:	Persea
Family:	Lauraceae
Native Location:	SE USA
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.
Height:	10-12m (30-40ft)
:Width	5m (15ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 10°C (50°F)
Parts Used:	Leaves
Properties:	An aromatic herb with insect repellent effects. Leaves have an aroma similar to bay (Laurus nobilis) but more camphoraceous.
Culinary Uses:	Fresh or dried leaves are used to flavor Creole dishes, and as a substitute for bay leaves; also infused for tea.
Economic Uses:	Foliage is used to repel insects from dried foods in pantries and cupboards.
Bibliography:	The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 308-309