Common Name: Strawberry Guava

General Information

Psidium cattleianum is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing from 1 - 12 metres tall. The crooked bole can be 15 - 25cm in diameter[, , ].
The edible fruit is generally greatly appreciated, being harvested from the wild and also cultivated[]. The plant also has local medicinal uses and can be grown as a hedge. It is often cultivated, mainly on a garden scale, in Brazil and also many other countries in tropical and subtropical areas[].
The plant forms thickets and shades out native vegetation in tropical and subtropical forests and woodlands[]. It has had a devastating effect on native habitats in Mauritius and is considered the worst plant pest in Hawaii, where it has invaded a variety of natural areas[].This species has become a serious weed in Hawaii and some other Pacific Islands[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern S. America - Uruguay, southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Littoral levees and forests[]. Atlantic rainforest and evergreen Araucaria forest, found mainly in lowland coastal forests; favouring the more open areas in moist soils[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Strawberry guava can thrive in a range of conditions from the humid lowland tropics and subtropics up to elevations of 1,500 metres[]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 28°c, but can tolerate 9 - 32°c[], and will succeed outdoors only in the warmest parts of the temperate zone. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -6°c, but young growth can be severely damaged at -1°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,600 - 2,000mm, but tolerates 600 - 4,000mm[]. It prefers a clear dry period to allow the fruit to ripen[]. Plants are less likely to fruit when grown in tropical areas[].
Succeeds in full sun and also in light shade[]. Requires a well-drained sandy loam with leafmold[]. Plants are tolerant of a range of soil conditions[], and can also tolerate swampy conditions[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 4.5 - 7.7[].
Seedling plants can commence bearing fruit when only 2 - 3 years old[].
Plants will usually flower and fruit on several occasions during the year[]. The flowers are produced on new growth[]. The plant is self-fertile, but crops better when cross-pollinated[].
There are some named varieties[, ].
A form with red fruits, found wild on the coastal levees of Brazil, is said to have a superior flavour.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. The fruit can be used in jellies, jams, custards, drinks etc[]. Sweet and aromatic. The flavour is more pronounced than that of the yellow strawberry guava but lacks the muskiness of the common guava[]. The fruit has an agreeable acid-sweet flavour and is good when eaten raw[, ], though it can also be used in preserves[]. The fruit is about 4cm in diameter[].

Flowers - used as a garnish[].

Medicinal

The roots are astringent, diuretic. They have been recommended as an effective treatment for haemorrhages[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as an ornamental hedge[, ].

Other Uses

The wood is very heavy, compact, elastic, has good mechanical properties and is durable in dry sites. Of small dimensions, but it is used for lathe work, tool handles and for objects that require much resistance[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If trying the plants outdoors, plant them out in the summer and give them some protection from winter cold for at least their first two winters.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.