Chilean Guava

(Ugni molinae)

Chilean Guava (Ugni molinae)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ugni molinae, commonly known as Chilean Guava, is an evergreen shrub native to the Valdivian temperate rainforests and sclerophyllous forests of Chile and adjacent areas of Argentina. It typically grows from 30 cm to 170 cm tall, but under ideal conditions, it can reach up to 3 meters in height. The plant features opposite, oval leaves that are 1–2 cm long and 1-1.5 cm broad, with a glossy dark green appearance and a spicy scent when crushed. The flowers, which bloom from spring to early summer, are pendulous and about 1 cm in diameter, with four or five white or pale pink petals and numerous short stamens. These blooms are followed by small, edible berries that are red, white, or purple, each about 1 cm in diameter, maturing in autumn from March to May in their native habitat.

Chilean Guava is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its fragrant foliage and attractive berries. It is used in gardens for border planting, as a hedge, and for its edible fruit, which has a flavor reminiscent of strawberries. The plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium to high water availability. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and scale insects. In regions with suitable climates, Chilean Guava can be grown in containers or as a houseplant.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 1-6 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, 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, Groundcover, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Valdivian temperate rainforests and sclerophyllous forests

Other Names

Common Names: Chilean-Guava , Strawberry Myrtle , Chilenische Guave , Murta , Murtilla , Ugni , Uñi , Goyavier Du Chili , Smultronmyrten

Scientific Names: Ugni molinae , Eugenia ugni , Myrtus ugni , Ugni poeppigii , Myrtus molinae , Myrtus ugni var. angustifolia , Myrtus ugni var. latifolia , Ugni bridgesii , Ugni lanceolata , Ugni myrtus

GBIF Accepted Name: Ugni molinae Turcz.