Strawberry Guava

(Psidium cattleianum)

Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum)

Forest and Kim Starr

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Forest and Kim Starr

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Psidium cattleianum, commonly known as Strawberry Guava, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Atlantic Forest ecoregion in Southern Brazil and parts of Uruguay, where it thrives in various habitats including rainforests, forest edges, and clearings. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 meters but can reach up to 13 meters under ideal conditions. Strawberry Guava is characterized by its smooth, reddish-brown bark and dense branching. The plant produces aromatic white flowers with five petals, either singly or in clusters of three, which bloom throughout the year in its native range. The fruits are about 4 cm long, with thin skin that can be yellow, red, or purple, and contain a sweet, fragrant pulp that is highly prized. The fruiting occurs when the plants are between 3 and 6 years old.

Strawberry Guava is valued for its edible fruit, ornamental qualities, and as a hedge or screen plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they offer good drainage. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and requires only moderate watering. However, it is important to be aware of its invasive potential outside its native range, particularly in Hawaii, where it has become a major invasive species, outcompeting native flora and altering ecological dynamics. Gardeners should consult local regulations before planting and consider using less aggressive species.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 10-20 feet
Width: 10-20 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the Atlantic Forest ecoregion in Southern Brazil and parts of Uruguay, including rainforests, forest edges, and clearings

Other Names

Common Names: Cherry Guava, Cattley Guava, Purple Guava, Aarbei Koejawel, Araçá, Araçá-Amarelo, Araçá-De-Coroa, Smultronguava, Araçá-Da-Praia, Araçá-De-Comer

Scientific Names: , Psidium cattleianum, Psidium littorale, Psidium littorale var. longipes, Psidium cattleianum var. cattleianum, Psidium cattleianum var. littorale, Psidium variabile, Psidium cattleyanum f. lucidum, Psidium obovatum, Eugenia urceolata

GBIF Accepted Name: Psidium cattleianum Afzel. ex Sabine