Brazilian guava

Brazilian guava

Psidium guineense (Myrtaceae)

Common Name:

Brazilian guava

Scientific Name:

Psidium guineense (Myrtaceae)


Alternative common names:

Brasiliaanse koejawel (Afrikaans) Koejawel, Brasiliaanse (Afrikaans) Guava, Brazilian (English)

Description:

Evergreen shrub or small tree up to 8m high with hairy branchlets. Light green, thick leaves that are hairy below. White flowers in groups of 1-3 from October to December. Green fruit which turns pale yellow and bitter tasting.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Brazil in South America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 3 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal

How does it spread?

Spread by seeds

Why is it a problem?

Competes with indigenous species

What does it look like?

General description: Evergreen shrub or small tree up to 8m high with hairy branchlets.
Leaves: Light green, thick leaves that are hairy below.
Flowers: White flowers in groups of 1-3 from October to December.
Fruit/Seeds: Green fruit which turns pale yellow and bitter tasting

Does the plant have any uses?

Birds and monkeys eat the fruits, and as an ornament

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