Observing the Leaves
Avocado trees, which are native to Central and South America, are an evergreen with leathery leaves that can measure anywhere from 4 to 11 inches long. These trees can grow anywhere from 30 to 80 feet tall, although smaller versions in containers can be easily contained and maintained. The most reliable way to identify an avocado tree is by looking at the leaves. The leaves on the avocado tree are thick and smooth and are dark green in color. The leaves also have a silvery sheen to them making them appear to have a metallic shine. Additionally, the leaves of the avocado tree will have a waxy texture.
Check For Flowers and Fruit
Avocado trees produce both male and female avocado flowers at the same time. Male and female avocado flowers are usually found together on the same branch. Male flowers are typically small and white, while female flowers are larger and can range from yellow to greenish-yellow in color. Additionally, the female flowers contain a single seed which will eventually turn into the avocado fruit.
The avocado fruit itself is round and somewhere between the size of a lemon and a large grapefruit. The avocado fruit has a light greenish-yellow to brownish-black outer skin that is slightly bumpy. When ripe, the fruit will yield to a gentle squeeze.
Identifying the Wood of an Avocado Tree
The trunk of an avocado tree can get up to three feet in diameter with a typically grey-brownish bark that looks irregularly ridged. The tree itself will branch outwards and the leaves of the avocado tree hang off in large clusters. An item of note for avocado trees is that the wood contains a milky sap that has a slightly bitter taste and can irritate the skin when exposed.
Identifying Root Systems and Timeframes
Avocado trees have an aggressive root system that spreads in all directions, making them difficult to incorporate into a landscaped area. The root systems tend to grow wider than the tree canopy, making it difficult to contain them in any size container. Avocado trees usually reach maturity in three to five years, although a fully grown avocado tree will continue to bear fruit for 20-30 years.
Identifying through Height and Climate
Avocado trees planted in their natural environment, i.e. warmer subtropical regions such as those found in Central and South America, can get extremely tall and wide. Somewhat counterintuitively, avocado trees planted in cooler climates can actually stay much shorter, averaging anything from 2 to 8 feet in height, making them a viable option for home gardens and backyards. However, if you’re trying to determine if a tree is an avocado tree, the former holds true – a taller avocado tree will be found in a warmer environment.
Temperature and Other Logistics
The temperature is an important factor when it comes to growing an avocado tree. Avocado trees thrive in areas that maintain temperatures between 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, they will require plenty of water, but not to the point where their roots are soggy. Moisture is pulled up from their roots and is then used to help ripen the fruit, so it should be kept damp but not overly so.
Soil and Nutrients
Avocado trees prefer soil that is rich and well-draining. Sandy or limestone soils are best and organic matter should be incorporated as well to ensure that the tree is getting the maximum amount of nutrients possible. Additionally, soil acidity will need to monitored regularly as avocado trees do not appreciate highly acidic soil.
Check for Disease and Pests
Along with checking the leaves, fruit and wood of the avocado tree, it is important to ensure that the tree you are identifying is in overall good health. Avocado trees can be susceptible to pests and diseases that can severely damage both the tree and its fruit. This includes pests such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and diseases such as Phytophthora root rot.
Written Representations
The final way to identify an avocado tree is to look for written representations of the tree. These can be anywhere from planting guides to specific books that identify and describe various types of fruit trees. Planting guides should explain any special requirements the tree needs, such as soil pH levels and temperature ranges. Books can be helpful because they often contain pictures of the trees, making it easier to spot an avocado tree.
