Persea americana 'Russel' (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 'Russell' is a West Indian-type avocado cultivar that originated in Florida, recognized for its strikingly elongated narrow fruit - considerably longer than most standard varieties. The skin is smooth, glossy, and remains green at maturity; the flesh is pale and creamy with a mild flavor and relatively low oil content, typical of West Indian types.

The tree is vigorous and fast-growing, with large glossy leaves and a broad canopy, well suited to warm humid subtropical and tropical climates. The unusual fruit shape makes it distinctive in both home collections and specialty markets.

'Russell' grows best in full sun with rich well-drained soils and regular moisture during active growth. It is less frost tolerant than Mexican-type avocados - mature trees may withstand only brief light frosts - and is best suited to USDA Zones 10-11 and warm protected parts of Zone 9b.