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Name That Plant!

ID a California Tree: Mango? Avocado?

10 years ago

I just moved to Los Angeles and bought a house. There's a tree in the yard I can't identify. I've taken online quizzes, done tons of Google image searches, and still no positive identification.

My Dad, who's been a landscaper for over 20 years in Florida, suggested it was a mango or avocado tree, and the leaves do seem to indicate that. But he said the flower threw him off since he hadn't seen one like that before.

There is no fruit on the tree, though maybe it's a young tree that doesn't bear fruit yet?

Would love any suggestions! Thanks!

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Comments (5)

beaverfever
Original Author
10 years ago
Sorry, this is a duplicate posting. Please disregard.

How does one delete postings anyway?!
TulsaRose
10 years ago
You can't delete duplicate postings...we've all done it so don't worry about it. :-)

Your tree looks like something in the Magnolia family...maybe Michelia alba (syn) Michelia longifolia ?

Here is a link that might be useful: Michelia alba
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There are are only a couple common varieties I can make an 'educated' guess on based either by leaf shape or tree form; even then its impossible to know without genetic testing, and I'm not sure where you could have that done or what the cost would be. Once it fruits you get a much better idea though, based on the numerous characteristics of the fruit (shape, size, color, flesh color and incidence of fiber, and production habits such ripening period, does it fruit in clusters, disease resistance, etc). While there are literally hundreds of varieties that have been grown in or introduced to Florida, in my experience it is more likely that if yours is a grafted tree and not a seedling, it can be narrowed down to one of the more common varieties. A huge percentage of older established mango trees in Florida are Haden, Tommy Atkins, or Kent for example, and an overwhelming percentage is probably accounted for by 10-15 varieties or so, including the above 3. Lots of possibilities though, so when it fruits take pics of the tree and fruit and people can take turns trying to identify it :) As far as the first question, in my experience trees can be surprisingly close to eachother and still produce well.....Harry has better knowledge on the spacing issue though.
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ArbutusOmnedo 10/24
10 years ago
Are the flowers fragrant at all? That looks a lot like a tree about half a block away from me here in Santa Monica and the blooms give off a wonderful fragrance particularly at night. I can ask that homeowner if they know, should your tree also be odiferous.

Jay
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
10 years ago
Definitely a Michelia and I'd go with alba as well. Lovely evergreen shrubs (or small trees) for mild climates and usually very fragrant.

There was a nice piece written by a GW member on these plants for the Fragrant Plant forum.

Here is a link that might be useful: Michelias
beaverfever
Original Author
10 years ago
I didn't notice a fragrance at all when I took the photos, though I didn't anticipate the tree being a Magnolia, so I didn't smell the bloom.

If it is indeed a Magnolia x alba, as another poster suggested -- and from looking that type of tree up online, I think it is -- it definitely should emit a nice, potent fragrance, especially in the evenings. Several articles even liken the smell to Juicy Fruit gum (!). I guess I'll find out if it's true when I move in in a few weeks!

Thanks everyone!

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