Persea americana 'Russel' (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 '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.