Persea schiedeana

Persea schiedeana, the coyo, is a species of plant in the family Lauraceae. It belongs to the evergreen tree genus Persea, which comprises about 150 species.

Overview

Coyo is a wild tree resembling and closely related to the Avocado (Persea americana). It is classified within the flowering plant family, Lauraceae. It is native to certain areas of Central America and southern Mexico at altitudes between 1,400 m to 1,900 m. The tree grows to about 20 m high, occasionally reaching 50 m.

Young branches are very hairy. The leaves are deciduous and the flowers are light greenish-yellow, with the stamens turning red with age. The fruit, closely resembling that of the avocado, is generally pear-shaped, with a thick, green, leathery skin. The flesh is oily with a milky juice and tastes like an avocado or coconut. The pear-shaped fruit is easily mistaken for an avocado. However, it contains a much larger central seed. The flesh has stone cells and a gritty texture that is generally considered unfavourable for edible consumption, despite its appealing taste. The cotyledons, unlike those of the avocado, are pink internally.