Plant of the Week: Avocado

Name: Avocado (Persea Americana)

Otherwise known as: Alligator Pear

Habitat: An evergreen tree/shrub member of the Lauraceae family growing up to 20m in well-drained sheltered areas of the tropics. The tree displays long, green, spear-shaped leaves with panicles of tiny white aromatic flowers that are transformed into the familiar pear-like fruits that contain the large inedible seed that is so challenging to home propagators. The leaves and bark are toxic and have proved fatal to some mammals.

What does it do: Avocado is one of the most nutritious plants known to science. It contains a whole range of proteins and vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C and D plus the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. An average plant will produce 1,200 fruits per annum.

However, among these nutrients lurks the fatty acid Persin, which is fatal to some mammalian species like goats, cats, dogs and horses; there is evidence that some birds are also vulnerable to the toxin. While the leaves and bark are dangerous to other species, they have been used by herbalists in infusions as a liver cleanser and to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

The Amerindian tribes have used a compound made from the seed as a method of birth control and as a treatment for dysentery and diarrhea.

Avocado features prominently in cosmetic products as it softens hard skin, beautifies the complexion and stimulates hair growth. Recent research reveals that the Avocado acts as a bactericide and may prove effective against Staphylococcus aureau.

 

Next dangerous plant        poinsettia

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