Persea gratissima

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  • Botanical Name/Scientific Name: Persea gratissima
  • Genus: Persea
  • Synonym: Persea americana Mill.
  • Common/Local Name(s): Avocado
  • Family: Lauraceae
  • Botanical Description: Persea gratissima is a medium to large evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. It has a dense canopy of dark green, glossy leaves. The leaves are alternate, elliptic to lanceolate in shape, and have a leathery texture. They are arranged spirally along the branches. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and arranged in panicles. They are often inconspicuous compared to the tree's foliage. The fruit of Persea gratissima, commonly known as avocado, is a large berry with a single large seed. It has a green to blackish-green skin and a creamy, buttery flesh with a nutty flavor.
  • Flowering/Fruiting: Flowering from February to April.
  • Plant Uses: Culinary, Cosmetic and Medicinal.
  • Origin: Introduced
  • Locality: University of Port Harcourt Abuja Campus.
  • Habit: Tree
  • Mode: Cultivated

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