Persea americana

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Persea americana

Persea americana (pronunciation: /pɜːrˈsiːə əˈmɛrɪkənə/), commonly known as the avocado, is a tree species native to South Central Mexico. It is classified in the flowering plant family Lauraceae.

Etymology

The term "Persea" comes from the Greek word "persēa", which was used to describe a different tree in ancient times. The term "americana" is Latin for "American", referring to the tree's native region.

Description

Persea americana is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The leaves are elliptic or oval in shape and are typically 12–25 cm long. The flowers are inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, 5–10 mm wide. The fruit, known as an avocado, is a large berry containing a single large seed.

Cultivation and uses

Persea americana is cultivated in tropical and Mediterranean climates throughout the world for its fruit, the avocado. The fruit is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and is a key ingredient in dishes such as guacamole.

Related terms

  • Avocado: The fruit of the Persea americana tree.
  • Lauraceae: The flowering plant family to which Persea americana belongs.
  • Guacamole: A dish made primarily from avocados.

External links

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