Psidium friedrichsthalianum aka Costa Rican Guava

Psidium friedrichsthalianum is known as Costa Rican guava. It belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Its native range runs from southern Mexico into tropical South America. This evergreen tree grows in wet tropical and subtropical regions. Wild trees grow beside streams and in swamp woods. They also grow in forests, upland pastures, and clearings. Some grow beside tidal streams in Honduras. The species occurs both inland and near the coast.

This small tree grows slowly and keeps its leaves year-round. The listed height is about 26 feet [8 metres]. Some trees reach 33 feet [10 metres], though most stay smaller. The trunk is often straight and round in section. Branches often start close to the ground. Thin brown bark peels from the trunk. People grow the tree for ornament as well as fruit. It has spread in cultivation beyond its native range. Growers cultivate it in Florida, Uganda, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The ripe fruit is yellow, with a round or egg-like shape. Each fruit measures about 0.13–0.20 feet [0.04–0.06 metres] across. Its flesh is white and holds seeds. The fruit has a strong scent and a sharp, sour taste. People eat it fresh or cook it in pies. Some add salt when eating it raw. The fruit also goes into drinks and jellies. Its high pectin content helps jelly set, even with fully ripe fruit. People gather wild fruit for local use. Yet the fruit has not gained broad appeal.

Choose a sunny site with soil that drains well. The tree accepts a range of soil conditions. Its preferred soil pH is 6.5–7.2. It can tolerate a wider range of 6–7.7. Warm daytime temperatures of 22–28°C suit it best. The reported tolerance range is 16–31°C. Frost can cause damage with ease. The preferred yearly rainfall is 1,200–1,600 millimetres. Reported rainfall tolerance spans 640–2,670 millimetres. In its tropical range, it grows up to 3,281 feet [1,000 metres] above sea level.

Growers can raise new plants from seed. Seed-grown trees may begin to bear after four or five years. Fruit develops on new growth. Ornamental planting is more widespread than planting for fruit production. The wood has a fine grain and lasts well. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for this species. It also lists no known medicinal uses. The evidence supports eating the fruit, but gives no broader safety assessment.