Lula (avocado)
{{Short description|Avocado cultivar}}
{{Infobox cultivar
| name = Avocado 'Lula'
| image =
| image_caption =
| image_alt =
| genus = Persea
| species = P. americana
| cultivar = 'Lula'
| origin = Florida
}}
The 'Lula' avocado (Persea americana 'Lula') is an avocado cultivar that originated in South Florida.
'Lula' became a widely propagated avocado after its introduction due to favorable characteristics, including its eating qualities.
History
The original tree reportedly grew from a 'Taft' avocado seed – named after Charles Parkman Taft (1856–1934) – planted in 1915 on the property of nurseryman George B. Cellon in Miami, Florida, and was named after Cellon's wife, Lula Cellon.{{cite journal | url = http://digitalcollections.fiu.edu/tequesta/files/1956/56_1_03.pdf | page = 47 | title = Mango Growing Around Early Miami | first = Harold W. |last = Dorn | journal = Tequesta | year = 1956 | publisher = Historical Association of Southern Florida}} DNA analysis has indicated 'Lula' was likely the result of a cross between Guatemalan and Mexican type avocados. The tree first fruited in 1919 and was recognized for its excellent eating qualities. Propagation of 'Lula' began in 1921.{{cite web | url = http://www.avocadosource.com/AvocadoVarieties/QueryDB.asp | title = Variety Database Search Results for ... | publisher = avocadosource.com | accessdate = 28 November 2012}}
'Lula' became recognized for its excellent eating qualities, steady production, and cold hardiness. It did have a drawback, however, in that the fruit was susceptible to scab. 'Lula' was widely propagated both for the commercial trade and home growing. It continues to be sold on a large scale despite the availability of newer cultivars, and it is often used as a rootstock for grafted avocado trees.
'Lula' trees are planted in the collections of the USDA's germplasm repository in Miami, Florida.{{cite web | url = http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/acc/display.pl?1041383 | title = MIA 7828 : Persea americana Mill. LAURACEAE (avocado) | work = Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) | publisher = National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland |accessdate = 28 November 2012}}{{cite web | url = http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/acc/display.pl?1728181 | title = MIA 36136 : Persea americana Mill. LAURACEAE (avocado) | work = Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) | publisher = National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland |accessdate = 28 November 2012}}
Description
'Lula' fruit has a glossy green skin and is pear-shaped. The flesh has high oil content, around 12–16%. The fruit matures from October to February in Florida.{{cite web | url = http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg213 | title = Table 2. Some characteristics of Florida avocado varieties recommended for the home landscape. | work = Circular 1034: Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape | first = Jonthan H. |last = Crane | first2= Carlos F. |last2=Balerdi |first3= Ian |last3=Maguire | publisher = Horticultural Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida | date = December 2010}} 'Lula' produces A-type flowers.
Gallery: Taft avocado
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