Leaf Structure
A full grown avocado tree is an evergreen tree with a dense canopy of leaves and grows to a height of between 13 and 18 meters. The trunk is usually short and slender and covered with a greenish outer bark. It holds up the vibrant and unique nine lobed leaves in a star-shaped arrangement of five to ten leaflets per branch.
The newly developed leaves are typically velvet-like, deep purple in color and later they become bronze-green. Each leaf is long and composed of a thick leaf stem with a row of leaflets on each side. They are oval-shaped with a pointed tip and have margins that are serrated or lobbed. These leaf-like structures form the unique nine-lobed leaves of a full grown avocado tree.
The leaves contain an abundance of essential oil glands which are responsible for the plant’s distinctive aroma. The foliage is covered with a layer of wax that protects it from being damaged by sun and heat. This wax also enables the tree to absorb and retain more water in hot and dry climates.
Flowering & Fruit Set
Avocado trees bloom when they are between 1 and 8 years old. The flowers are small, greenish-white and bell-shaped. They are either male or female and are different from one another. Female flowers have a wide base, while male flowers are more constricted.
Fruit set occurs when male flowers release pollen and it is carried to the female flowers. This process is done naturally by bees, wasps, and other insects. If it is not pollinated by these factors, avocado trees will fail to produce fruits. Many varieties of avocado trees can self-pollinate, however, most trees need an additional tree in order to produce a good crop of avocados.
The fruits themselves are an oval-shaped, green fleshy drupe with a single large seed inside. The fruits measure from 8 to 18 cm long and from 4 to 12 cm wide. When being harvested, the fruits are typically still green and ripen at room temperature. The fruit can also be harvested unripe, as it does not necessarily have to ripen on the tree.
Other Characteristics
Avocado trees thrive in sunny and warm climates. They are native to Mexico and Central America and are resistant to drought and other weather and climate conditions. Avocado season generally occurs in the late summer and fall and it requires plenty of water in order to fully mature. In addition, avocado trees require a lot of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus in order to stay healthy and produce abundant fruits.
Avocado trees are a popular crop for urban gardens, but they can also be found in commercial plantations. They have become a profitable and noble source of livelihood for many farmers. The avocado tree is one of the oldest cultivated plants and it has been used for centuries for various purposes. The wood from the tree is also durable and valuable and can be used for a variety of purposes.
Growth Pattern
An avocado tree starts with a single trunk and subdivides into several smaller branches, which in turn subdivide into numerous veneers. This pattern forms a crown of dense foliage that grows incredibly quickly. The growth rate of the tree depends mainly on its maturity and the climate. Generally, the growth slows with age and the canopy of leaves can become so dense as to cause shading problems.
The root system of the avocado tree is shallow, but it has a sturdy root ball that anchors it to the ground. The roots of the tree are sensitive to soil moisture and can be subject to root rot if the soil is too wet for too long. This is why a well-draining soil is essential for an avocado tree to be able to thrive.
Care & Maintenance
Avocado trees need regular pruning in order to keep the tree healthy and reduce the risk of pests. Pruning can be done with lopping shears, secateurs, or by hand. The main goal of pruning is to open up the tree canopy to let in air circulation and light and to reduce the number of competing shoots.
Avocado trees should also be fertilized at least once a year with organic fertilizer or ammoniacal nitrogen fertilizer. Adding mulch to the soil can also provide additional nutrients to the tree and keep the soil moist. Avocado trees can also benefit from occasional sheltered pruning, as this can help to keep the tree strong and healthy.
Harvesting Avocado Fruit
Avocado fruits can be harvested when they are ripe. They should be soft to the touch and the skin should be slightly darkening. If the fruits are still too firm, they may be left on the tree for a few more days to continue ripening. It is important to harvest the fruits gently; otherwise, they can get damaged and rot easily.
Avocado fruits can be stored for several days if necessary. To store, wrap the fruits in newspaper and place them in a cool, dark, and dry area. If the fruits are stored this way, they can stay edible for about 5 to 7 days. Avocado fruits can also be frozen for longer storage.
Nutritional Benefits
Avocado fruits are not only delicious, they are also highly nutritious. They contain good amounts of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. Avocados are also high in dietary fiber and healthy fats, making them a nutritious snack or addition to meals. This fruit is also known to reduce cholesterol and risk of heart disease.
In addition to being a nutritious snack, avocado fruits can also be used to make a variety of dishes. The flesh of the fruit can be eaten raw, mashed, or added to salads and sandwiches. It can also be used to make guacamole or used as a topping for toast. The possibilities of what this delicious and nutritious fruit can be used for are endless.
Pests & Diseases
The biggest problem when it comes to avocado trees is pests and diseases. The most common pest that affects avocado trees is the avocado lace bug, which feeds on the foliage and suck out the sap from the leaves, causing them to become discolored and withered. Other pests include mealybugs, thrips, and fruit flies.
The most common disease that affects avocado trees is root rot, which is caused by a soil-borne fungus. Other diseases that can affect the tree include anthracnose, dieback, and black spot. These diseases can be prevented by applying preventative sprays, keeping the tree well-watered and pruned, using healthy planting materials, and avoiding overirrigation.
Conclusion
A full grown avocado tree is an impressive sight. Not only is it an evergreen tree with vibrant and unique nine lobed leaves, but it can also provide delicious and nutritious avocados for many years. However, avocado trees are susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to provide proper care and maintenance in order to keep the tree healthy and help it produce abundant fruits.
