It is an arboreal species of the genus Persea belonging to the Lauraceae family, whose fruit, the avocado or avocado, is an edible berry.10 It is a species native to Mesoamerica, specifically the highlands of central and eastern Mexico and Guatemala . The oldest evidences of its use were found in Coaxcatlán (Mexico) and date from about 10,000 years ago.

Currently, the species is cultivated in places with tropical and Mediterranean climates throughout the world. The great demand for avocado has made its plantations transform large areas of native ecosystems.