Persea americana 'Oro Negro' (Avocado)

Persea americana, the avocado, is an evergreen fruit tree native to southern Mexico and Central America, cultivated for thousands of years and now grown throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Belonging to the laurel family, it develops into a medium to large tree with a dense canopy of glossy green leaves, reaching 20 to 60 feet depending on climate and rootstock, and remaining productive for decades.
Fruits vary widely in size, shape, skin texture, and color - from smooth green to rough dark-purple - depending on the cultivar. The flesh is rich in healthy oils and prized for its smooth buttery texture. The species is also notable for its unusual flowering biology, with flowers opening in two phases that promote cross-pollination between complementary types.
Cultivars derived from Mexican, Guatemalan, and West Indian genetic backgrounds show considerable variation in fruit quality, harvest season, and cold tolerance. The hardiest Mexican-type selections may survive temperatures near 20F when mature, while many West Indian types sustain damage below 30F. Avocado grows best in full sun with well-drained soil and regular moisture; it is sensitive to prolonged waterlogging. Generally suited to USDA Zones 9b-11. 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.