Psidium guajava aka Guave

Psidium guajava, or guava, is an evergreen fruit tree. It belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Its home lies in the American tropics. Kew records it as a cultivated plant originating in Peru. Growers now raise it across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It has also spread beyond gardens in many warm places.

Guava grows as a shrub or small, branching tree. Garden heights range from 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Some sources report trees reaching 33 feet [10 metres]. Its spread reaches 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. The crown may spread wide or grow more upright. Trees can have one trunk or several main stems. The short trunk often bends, and low branches may droop. Root suckers can grow around the base. The bark has green-brown and pale brown patches. Opposite leaves are oval to long and narrow. They have toothed edges and clear veins beneath. Young leaves have fine hairs on their lower sides.

White flowers grow on new side shoots, alone or in groups. Each flower has many long stamens. Flowers may appear at any time of year. Guava can set fruit through self-pollination. Insects moving pollen between flowers can improve the crop. The fruit is round, egg-shaped, or shaped like a pear. Its skin turns from green toward yellow as it ripens. The flesh may be white, yellow, pink, or red. Small brown seeds sit within the flesh. Flavour ranges from sweet to sharply sour.

Give guava full sun and moist soil that drains well. It suits sandy or loamy soils across a broad pH range. Trees endure drought, but dry spells can reduce fruit crops. Long flooding can cause leaf loss and branch death. Warm weather supports growth and fruiting. Cold tolerance varies with age and growing conditions. Young trees and fresh shoots suffer frost damage. RHS rates it H2; PFAF lists USDA zones 9–12. In cold regions, use a greenhouse or move pots indoors. Shade greenhouse plants from harsh sun.

Guava provides fruit, light shade, and interest in courtyards or containers. Eat the fruit fresh or cook it into jam. The fruit supplies vitamin C, vitamin A, and pectin. Some cooks use the leaves; seeds yield edible oil. Sources report traditional medicinal uses, but these are not treatment advice. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. RHS reports few diseases, though mites, whitefly, and scale may occur. Guava forms thickets and can escape cultivation. UF/IFAS classes it as invasive in south Florida.