Lauraceae

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Avocado cultivation in Florida has a history dating back many decades. It is one of the most important economic tree crops in Miami-Dade and Collier counties. Generally, homeowners grow one or two fruit trees, depending upon the size of their residential lots. Although avocado trees do not require much maintenance, there are a few cultivation practices to follow in order to reap the best production experience.

Publications

Sassafras albidum: Sassafras

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Persea borbonia: Redbay

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This handsome North American native evergreen tree can reach 50 feet in height with a comparable spread but is often seen somewhat shorter and wider, particularly when grown in the open in an urban area. The glossy, leathery, medium to dark green, six-inch leaves emit a spicy fragrance when crushed and the inconspicuous, springtime flower clusters are followed by small, dark blue fruits which ripen in fall. These fruits are enjoyed by birds and squirrels and add to the tree's overall attractiveness. The trunk bears very showy, ridged, red-brown bark and frequently branches low to the ground forming a multi-stemmed habit similar to live oak, but it can be pruned to make a single, short central leader which would be most suitable for many urban plantings.

Cinnamomum camphora: Camphor-Tree

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Persea americana: Avocado

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Lindera benzoin Spicebush Lindera benzoin Spicebush

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the spicebush (Lindera benzoin), a large shrub native to Florida. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and aromatic properties. The spicebush thrives in sunny locations, displaying vibrant fall colors, and is suitable for various landscaping uses such as borders and naturalizing. The document also discusses the plant’s soil tolerances, light requirements, and pest resistance, noting that it has few serious disease problems and can be established from a container despite being difficult to transplant from a field nursery. Original publication date October 1999.

Persea palustris, Swamp Bay

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, Mary McKenzie, and Heather V. Quintana

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Cinnamomum camphora 'Monum': 'Monum' Camphor-Tree

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah Hilbert