Contents
Description
Psidium Guajava, commonly known as guava, is a tropical fruit tree native to Central and South America. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The tree produces small, fragrant white flowers and round or oval-shaped fruits that range in color from green to yellow to red.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Psidium |
Appearance
The leaves of Psidium Guajava are opposite, simple, and evergreen, with a leathery texture and a shiny surface. They are 5-15 cm long and 2-7 cm wide, and have a prominent midrib and lateral veins. The bark is smooth, thin, and peels off in thin flakes. The fruit is a berry and is usually 4-12 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. It has a green or yellow skin and a white or pink pulp that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Psidium Guajava requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Psidium Guajava prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to produce fruit.
Hardiness Zones: Psidium Guajava can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Psidium Guajava is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including fruit flies, scale insects, mealybugs, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Regular monitoring and treatment with appropriate pesticides and fungicides can help prevent and control these problems.
Habitat
Psidium Guajava is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid climates. It is commonly found in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia and Africa.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for Psidium Guajava to bear fruit?
A: It can take 2-4 years for the tree to bear fruit.
Q: Can Psidium Guajava tolerate frost?
A: No, the tree is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: Can Psidium Guajava be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers but may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: How often should Psidium Guajava be pruned?
A: The tree should be pruned annually to remove dead or diseased wood and maintain its shape.
Related Plants
- Psidium cattleianum
- Psidium friedrichsthalianum
- Psidium sartorianum
- Psidium guineense
References
- “Psidium guajava.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 24 September 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
- “Guava.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 24 September 2021. edis.ifas.ufl.edu
- “Guava.” Purdue University Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Accessed 24 September 2021. hort.purdue.edu
