Psidium guineense aka Brazilian Guava

Psidium guineense is known as Brazilian guava and guisaro. It belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Its native range runs from Mexico through tropical America. This includes the Caribbean and parts of South America. It reaches Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil in the south. Despite its name, it does not come from Guinea. People sometimes confuse it with common guava, Psidium guajava. The two species can cross in the wild.

This evergreen plant grows slowly and varies in form. Most plants form shrubs, though some become small trees. They can reach 23 feet [7 metres], but most stay smaller. The sources give no clear garden size range. In the wild, it grows in thickets and open woods. These sites range from wet to dry. It also grows among oaks or pines. Other sites include rocky slopes and open plains. It reaches elevations of about 7,875 feet [2,400 metres]. It occurs most often at middle elevations.

People grow Brazilian guava for its small, edible fruit. Some tropical areas grow it as a crop, chiefly in South America. The greenish-yellow fruit has an oval or ellipsoid shape. It measures about 0.07–0.10 feet [0.02–0.03 metres] across. Reports differ on its taste and appeal. Some describe tart flesh with a hint of strawberry. Others find the fruit too bitter or resinous to enjoy. It lacks the strong musky scent of common guava. People eat it fresh or cook it. Uses include baking, stewing, and making fruit paste.

The plant suits tropical and warm subtropical climates. It tolerates varied soils, but grows poorly in light sand. Growers can raise it from seed or cuttings. It has spread beyond gardens in some places. At Agartala in northeast India, it has become naturalized. This record supports concern about its potential to become weedy.

The bark contains tannin, and the strong wood has practical uses. These include tool handles, farm tools, beams, and planks. Traditional remedies use the bark, roots, leaves, and young fruit. Reported uses include digestive, urinary, and chest complaints. These records describe folk use, not proof of safe treatment. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for this species.