Persea americana 'Oro Negro' (Avocado)

The avocado is a dense, evergreen tree. It is fast growing and can with age reach 80 feet, although usually less, and generally branches to form a broad tree. Some cultivars are columnar, others selected for nearly prostrate form. Growth is in frequent flushes during warm weather in southern regions with only one long flush per year in cooler areas. Grafted plants normally produce fruit within one to two years compared to 8 - 20 years for seedlings. West Indian type avocados produce smooth round, glossy green fruits that are low in oil and weigh up to 2 pounds. Guatemalan types produce medium ovoid or pear-shaped, pebbled green fruits that turn blackish-green when ripe. The fruit of Mexican varieties are small (6 - 10 ounces) with paper-thin skins that turn glossy green or black when ripe. The flesh of avocados is deep green near the skin, becoming yellowish nearer the single large, inedible ovoid seed. The flesh is hard when harvested but softens to a buttery texture.

The Avocado fruit is an important food in South America and is nutritious with high levels of mainly unsaturated oils, minerals, vitamins and reasonable levels of protein. Clinical studies have shown that avocado oil can reduce blood cholesterol.

Avocado trees produce thousands of flowers and only about one in 5000 sets fruit.

The Avocado is remarkable in its ability to thrive under a broad range of environmental conditions. It needs water and no frost and prefers good drainage, sun, and dry air.

See more about avocado:
Avocado varieties chart.
Avocado variety guide: Snack or Guacamole?
Growing avocadoes in Florida
The Magic of the Avocado

Persea americana 'Oro Negro', commonly known as Oro Negro avocado, is a premium fruit-bearing cultivar selected from the traditional avocado native to Central America. This evergreen tree displays a vigorous, spreading growth habit, typically reaching 15 to 20 feet in height at maturity, though it maintains a manageable shape with regular pruning. The plant produces dense, glossy green foliage and bears medium-to-large, pear-shaped fruits that turn a distinctive dark black color when ripe. The high-quality flesh has an exceptionally high oil content, offering a rich, nutty flavor that is highly prized by home orchardists and collectors.

This fruiting tree requires full sun exposure and rich, loose, exceptionally well-drained soil to prevent root issues. Provide consistent watering during the spring and summer months, and apply a balanced tropical fruit fertilizer to promote reliable flowering and heavy fruit production. This cultivar demonstrates excellent cold hardiness for an avocado, tolerating temporary temperature drops down to 25 F with minimal damage, though winter protection is required in USDA zones below 9b. It is highly valued for its late-season winter harvest and attractive dark fruit.