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Strawberry Guava Psidium cattleianum a.k.a. Cattley Guava Dark red skinned guava, closely related to the common guava,
with an excellent strawberry like flavor. Fruits are small, to
1.5" around, and the pulp is translucent and very juicy. It some
varieties, the flesh can taste pleasantly spicy. |
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Uses |
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Usually eaten fresh or used to flavor beverages, ice creams, and desserts. |
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Plant Cultivation |
| Small bush or tree to 20-25ft, although often much smaller. The strawberry
guava is very adaptable and can be grown outdoors throughout much of Florida
and California. It will fruit in a container almost anywhere if protected
from hard freezes. Strawberry guava's are hardy to 22F when full grown.
Trees grow well in full sun and with ample water, although short periods
of drought will not harm the plant. Lots of water is needed during fruit
development and for proper ripening to occur. The yellow strawberry guava
(Psidium cattlenium var. lucidum) is said to be not quite as
hardy as the standard red strawberry guava, but seems to survive temperatures
to 25F. Propagation: Usually by seed, sometimes by cuttings. |
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Origin and Distribution |
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Native to coastal areas of Eastern Brazil. The strawberry guava is now a weed in many parts of the tropics where it has quickly adapted to a variety of climates. There are major infestations on Hawaii and many Caribbean islands. In tropical climates, the strawberry guava is most often found growing at higher elevations, where the mean temperature is much cooler. The yellow form tends to be a bit less hardy and therefore is found at slightly lower elevations. |
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Related Species |
