Native to Central America and cultivated there for thousands of years before reaching the rest of the world, avocado is an evergreen tree in the laurel family with large, glossy leaves and a dense rounded canopy. In frost-free climates — zones 10 through 12 — it grows into a substantial shade tree that happens to produce its rich, fatty fruits in abundance. The common name "alligator pear" refers to the rough, pebbly skin of the Hass type and the pear-like shape of many cultivars.

For gardeners in southern Florida, Hawaii, or coastal Southern California, a well-chosen cultivar planted in a sunny, well-drained spot will begin bearing within a few years. Avocados need consistent moisture but resent waterlogged roots. Cold is the limiting factor: even a brief frost can kill young trees and damage established ones. Those at the edge of the range often grow them in large containers that can be moved under cover when temperatures threaten.