The Three Avocado Groups

The avocado (Persea americana Mill.) tends to fall into one of the following three groups as represented in the table below. To determine the leaf scent, pick a leaf and rub in between your hands. If you get a strong anise-scent (licorice) it falls into the "Mexican" group. Most of the varieties grown in California fall into the "Guatemalan" or "Mexican" group (or a hybrid of the two) while Florida grows mostly "West Indian" types.