Guava
Family Myrtaceae
Psidium guajava, the guava (P. guajava 1), is a shrub or small tree, up to 10 m high, with opposite elliptical leaves, and axillary white flowers with numerous stamens (P. guajava 2), 2.5-3 cm in diameter. The fruit is a berry, surmounted by calyx lobes, variable in size, pale green to bright yellow in colour (P. guajava 3), with white, yellow or pinkish flesh containing many seeds. It is rich in vitamin A and C.
Distribution and use
The guava is a native of the American tropics and was reported in the early 16th century in the West Indies. The Spaniards and Portuguese took it to the Philippines and India (P. guajava 4). Today the guava is widely spread throughout the tropics.
The ripe fruit has a pleasant sweet and sour taste and is eaten fresh or stewed and made into pies. They are also made into preserves and juice, and canned. The leaves are sometimes used medicinally.
Guavas are grown commercially in India, Florida, Brazil and British Guyana.