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Description
Myrcianthes Fragrans, also known as the fragrant guava, is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree in the myrtle family. This plant is native to South America, particularly in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. It is a hardy plant that can grow up to 6 meters tall with a spread of 3 meters. The leaves are glossy green, oval-shaped, and have a fragrant aroma when crushed. The fragrant guava blooms small, white flowers that turn into small, edible fruits that are similar to guava in taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Myrcianthes |
Appearance
The fragrant guava has glossy, dark green leaves that are 5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The leaves are oval-shaped, with a pointed tip and smooth edges. When crushed, the leaves emit a strong, pleasant aroma. The fragrant guava blooms small, white flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals and are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of the fragrant guava is small, round, and yellow when ripe, with a sweet, guava-like flavor.
Care Guide
The fragrant guava is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The fragrant guava does not require a lot of water, but it should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.- Fertilization: Fertilize the fragrant guava with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.- Soil: The fragrant guava prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The fragrant guava prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The fragrant guava is hardy in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The fragrant guava is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it can be affected by scale insects and spider mites. Scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, while spider mites can be controlled with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The fragrant guava is native to South America, particularly in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and grasslands. The fragrant guava prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the fragrant guava a fruit-bearing plant?
A: Yes, the fragrant guava produces small, edible fruits that are similar in taste to guava.
Q: Can the fragrant guava grow in containers?
A: Yes, the fragrant guava can be grown in containers, but it may need to be pruned to keep it from getting too large.
Q: How often should I fertilize my fragrant guava?
A: Fertilize your fragrant guava with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.
Q: Is the fragrant guava a disease-resistant plant?
A: Yes, the fragrant guava is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can be affected by scale insects and spider mites.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the fragrant guava:- Myrcianthes pungens- Myrcianthes gigantea- Myrcianthes leucoxyla- Myrcianthes fragilis
References
– “Myrcianthes fragrans” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 18 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282731- “Myrcianthes fragrans” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 18 August 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST675
