Psidium cattleyanum (Strawberry Guava) is a small fruit tree that is native to the Amazon Basin in Brazil. Strawberry Guava is an easy to grow plant that produces a tasty fruit that is prized in its native regions. Traditional medicines are also created from the tree and the wood is used for its hard, durability to make wooden tools and for firewood.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
The Strawberry Guava has many alternative names that include Cherry Guava, Cattley Guava, Thai Guava, Chinese Guava and Purple Guava. It is a little too easy to grow in warm, humid climates as it is considered the most invasive weed in Hawaii.
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Growth
Psidium cattleyanum is a perennial fruit tree that reaches a maximum height of 6 metres (20 feet) and a width of up to 4 metres (13 feet). It grows in a wide range of climates, tolerating cold frosts in temperate climates and heavy rains in tropical conditions. Due to its invasive nature, it is recommended to be grown in pots or well-prepared garden beds.
The trunk of Strawberry Guavas have a smooth bark with oval to elliptical leaves that grow to 5cm (2 inches) in length. Flowers can grow individually or in clusters of three while the fruit can range from yellow to dark red or purple.
Strawberry Guava trees can take between 3-6 years to reach fruiting age when grown from seed.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Myrtaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub-Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5 to 35°C / 23 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION
Full Sun or Part-Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 4 metres (14 feet)
pH:
5.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
3-6 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
55-70%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-6 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 20
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT PSIDIUM CATTLEYANUM (Strawberry Guava)
The species is named in honour of English horticulturist, William Cattley and the Latin term Psidium comes from the word psidion meaning armlet.
In Tanzania, the fruits are tied together to create necklaces, while in Brazil the tree has become an essential reforestation plant for its ability to establish quickly and to assist with soil erosion.
The fruits of Psidium cattleyanum are used to make jams and juices as well as to treat diarrhoea, colic and haemorrhages.
Due to the plants hard, durable wood, the trunk and branches are used to make wooden tools, for lathe work and for charcoal and firewood.
For more information about Strawberry Guava check out this page.
