Persea or Canary Avocado Tree is a relict species encountered in humid spots in the laurel forest of the Canaries. Its closest relative is the real Avocado (Persea grata) from South America. The Canary species is an evergreen tree with very ornamental, large, dark green, glossy leaves, with brownish smooth hairs beneath. Old leaves turn to a bright red to orange before they fall. It is easily cultivated as a pot or container plant in any humus rich, well drained soil in a sunny (during winter) to partially shaded (during summer) spot. Older plants may endure some light freezing in autumn. Keep plants slightly drier in winter at a minimum of some 5°C. Sow seeds in any rich, well drained, slightly moist soil at some 20°C throughout the year. Germination occurs after some three to five months. All are USDA Climate Zone 11. 3 large seeds per package. |