Guava (Psidium guajava): The Tropical Superfruit

Guava is a small tree or large shrub that produces round to pear-shaped fruits with sweet, fragrant, pink or white flesh packed with vitamin C (4x oranges). Native to tropical Americas, Psidium guajava has smooth, mottled bark, glossy leaves, and white, brush-like flowers.

Growing Guava

Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established but fruits better with regular water. Tolerates light frost. Self-fertile. Fruit ripens 3-4 months after bloom. Many cultivars: 'Tropical White', 'Red Malaysian', 'Ruby Supreme'.

Uses and Benefits

Eat fresh, juice, jams, jellies, pastes (goiabada). Leaves used medicinally for diarrhea. The tree is ornamental and can be hedged. Fruit flies can be a pest—bag fruit.

Taxonomic Profile