Topa Topa

Topa Topa (Percea americana var. topa topa) is an avocado that when classified by the fruit they would be listed with their nearest relative mexicola. In general Mexicola avocados tend to be round. Topa topa differs from Mexicola in that it has a neck.

Originated in 1907 in Ojai, Topa Topa has a vigorous rootstalk chosen for it's seed. It has a very big seed and the seed in turn produces a very robust sprout which means field budding is more successful because of it big size. This also makes it very easy to work with. They are not often planted as a source of fruit but they are often very productive.

The fruit matures completely black and shiny. The skin on the fruit is thin and delicate and can be eaten along with the flesh which is quite tasty. However, because of the large seed it is not grown commercially. As far as the avocado season goes they are among the earliest to mature. The leaves, when crushed, are very aromatic and have an aroma resembling anise.



The Topa Topa in my fruit orchard arose as a sprout from below the bud union of an existing avocado tree that was not very vigorous. The sprout appeared about eight years ago and I knew by the odor of the leaves that it was Topa Topa and decided to keep it. The original tree did not show the vigor that it should so I thought I would take a chance on the Topa Topa and let it grow. It recently came to my attention that it has a very heavy crop this year which we will be sharing with our friends and neighbors. Last year it bore no fruits but the year before it had a good crop. This performance leads me to believe that it may be alternate bearing.