PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Persea americana
Avocado
Mill.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A commercially valuable, medium to large evergreen tree with a dense, spreading canopy. It features large, dark green, glossy, elliptic leaves and small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers arranged in terminal panicles. The species is highly celebrated for its large, pear-shaped or globose berry-like fruit, which encloses a single large seed and a buttery, nutrient-dense green flesh rich in healthy monounsaturated fats.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Laurales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Lauraceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Persea
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Mill.
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the tropical and subtropical highlands of Mesoamerica, spanning central Mexico down through Central America. It thrives in well-drained, deep volcanic or alluvial soils and is highly sensitive to waterlogging. It is broadly cultivated worldwide across frost-free Mediterranean, subtropical, and tropical eco-zones.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A long-lived canopy tree that provides stable forest structure in its native multi-layered mountain ecosystems. In wild environments, it exhibits complex masting behavior (biennial alternate bearing), altering the yield of high-energy lipid fruits between consecutive years to regulate pest populations.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
900.0 - 2000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Developed a unique evolutionary synchronous dichogamy (Type A and Type B flowering cultivars) to strictly avoid self-pollination, where flowers open as female in the morning and male the following afternoon, or vice versa.
Possesses a highly specialized carbohydrate metabolism storing 7-carbon sugars (mannoheptulose), which provides energetic resilience during periods of low ambient photosynthesis or environmental stress.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Extreme vulnerability to root rot disease caused by the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi, which quickly destroys the tree's fragile, non-root-haired feeder root system in poorly drained or compacted soils.
Climate change induced mega-droughts and severe heatwaves that induce intense fruit drop, flower abortion, and exacerbate the high water footprint required for modern commercial cultivation.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The avocado is an evolutionary anachronism. It originally evolved its massive oil-rich seed to be eaten, passed whole, and dispersed by extinct Pleistocene megafauna like giant ground sloths and gomphotheres.
The name 'avocado' derives from the indigenous Nahuatl word 'āhuacatl', which translates directly to 'testicle', referencing both the fruit's physical hanging shape and its traditional association with fertility.