General Overview
A mature avocado tree is a powerful sight in nature. Growing up to 30 feet in height, an avocado tree provides a wealth of benefits to its environment. From its aesthetically pleasing, large dark green leaves to its incredibly tasty fruit that can be used for a variety of purposes, a mature avocado tree is a true symbol of growth.
Growing Conditions
In order to grow optimally, avocado trees require a lot of light, humidity and water, but also seek protection from strong winds. While avocado trees prefer a sunny climate, they can be successfully grown in a wide variety of temperatures, provided the climate does not drop below freezing for more than three days at a time. Furthermore, due to its sensitive root system, avocado trees should never be planted near a walkway or a foundation, which might damage its roots in the long run.
Physical Attributes
One of the most notable attributes of a mature avocado tree is its size, as it can grow up to 30 feet tall and its crown can be as wide as 16 feet. The trunk of the tree is normally covered with bark, and its root system is powerful and partially visible. Its dark green leaves are long, shiny and scaly, while its flowers are yellow or greenish in color and its fruit is a large and smooth drupe, with a yellowish or greenish skin, and a tasty, buttery interior.
Social Impact
Studies have recently shown that the presence of mature avocado trees can have a positive influence on their surrounding environment. For instance, the pollination process of an avocado tree helps the trees to better use resources and produce an abundant harvest. Furthermore, an avocado tree increases the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere, has antibacterial properties and enhances soil fertility, further contributing to the health of its surroundings.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is the avocado tree a delight to be around, it is highly nutritious as well. Research suggests that avocado flesh has vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E, as well as minerals such as copper, phosphorus and magnesium. Furthermore, it is a rich source of top quality fatty acids which are good for the heart.
Economic Benefits
Avocado trees are incredibly important for local economies. In some countries, avocados are one of the mainstays of the economy and the sale of these fruits brings in lots of money to the region. Moreover, due to their high nutritional value, avocados are becoming increasingly popular overseas, which further contributes to the economic development of the region.
Environmental Protection
Avocado trees can have a huge impact on the environment in terms of protection as well. With its long, wide roots, avocado trees can prevent soil erosion and help trap large amounts of pollutants. Furthermore, the presence of avocado trees in a region can help maintain the optimal temperature range and thus protect the local fauna and flora.
International Trade
Finally, avocado trees can have a huge impact on international trade. Avocado exports from Latin American countries such as Mexico and Peru have skyrocketed in recent years, due to the increasing popularity of this fruit. As a result, many countries are now investing in avocado exports and are becoming increasingly reliant on the fruit for economic growth.
Health Concerns
Although avocados are highly nutritious, there are a few potential health concerns that should be taken into account. For instance, due to their high fat and calorie content, it is important to control how much and how often one eats avocados. Furthermore, if the avocado tree is not properly cared for and harvested, it is possible that the fruit might contain pesticide residues, which can be dangerous to health.
Uses
The uses of avocados are numerous, and they extend beyond the realm of nutrition. For example, avocado oil, which is extracted from an avocado tree’s fruit, is a great source of healthy fats, important vitamins and minerals, and it the most popular cooking oil in Mexico and many other countries. Avocado oil is also used in a variety of cosmetics, skincare products and dietary supplements.
Pests and Diseases
As with any other plant, avocado trees can be affected by pests and diseases. The two most common pests and diseases that can affect an avocado tree are scale insects and Phytophthora root rot. To effectively combat these pests and diseases, it is important to regularly inspect the tree’s foliage and fruit, and treat any potential infestations or infections immediately with the appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Storage and Handling
Avocados ripen off the tree, so it is important to properly store and handle them. The best way to store avocados is to place them in a cool, dry and dark area. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that all contact surfaces with the fruit are as clean as possible, as this will prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs. Lastly, it is important to note that avocados should be handled with care, as they bruise and damage easily.
