Guava

Guava

Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae)

Common Name:

Guava

Scientific Name:

Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae)


Alternative common names:

Koejawel (Afrikaans)

Description:

Evergreen shrub or small tree up to 10m high with hairy branchlets. Bronze turning light green leaves that are hairy below and have conspicuous veins. White flowers in groups of 1-3 from October to December. Green turning yellow fruits with white, yellow or pink flesh and a musky odour

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Tropical regions of Central and South America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

CARA 2002 - Category 2 NEMBA - a. 2 for plantations in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West. b. 3 elswhere in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumulanga and North-West. c. The fruit of the guava is not listed if used for human consumption. d. Not listed elsewhere.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga

How does it spread?

Spread by seeds

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and replaces indigenous species. Indigenous birds and monkeys could neglect the dispersal of indigenous plants as a consequence of their preference for the fruits of this alien species. Dense stands along watercourses and on the edges of wetlands are likely to consume large quantities of water. It is a host of fruit flies and invasive plants could act as a source of infestation of the flies to fruit orchards

What does it look like?

General description: Evergreen shrub or small tree up to 10m high with hairy branchlets.
Leaves: Bronze turning light green leaves that are hairy below and have conspicuous veins.
Flowers: White flowers in groups of 1-3 from October to December.
Fruit/Seeds: Green turning yellow fruits with white, yellow or pink flesh and a musky odour

Does the plant have any uses?

Birds and monkeys eat the fruits, and for its edible fruit, shade

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