What genus contains the avocado tree?

The avocado tree belongs to the genus Persea.

Its full scientific name is Persea americana. In biological classification, Persea is the genus and americana is the species epithet, so the name identifies the avocado as one particular species within a broader group of related evergreen trees.

Persea contains about 111 species and is part of the laurel family, Lauraceae. The genus includes trees with simple leaves, small flowers, and fleshy fruits surrounding a single seed. The avocado is its best-known member because it has been cultivated widely for its large, oily fruit.

The genus name is older than the modern crop and was derived by botanist Philip Miller from the Greek name Persea. That historical name was applied to an uncertain Egyptian tree in ancient Greek writings. A common quiz mistake is selecting Capsicum, the genus of peppers, or Citrus, the genus of oranges and lemons; neither contains avocado.