Strawberry guava

Strawberry guava

Psidium cattleianum (Myrtaceae)

Common Name:

Strawberry guava

Scientific Name:

Psidium cattleianum (Myrtaceae)


Alternative common names:

Aarbeikoejawel (Afrikaans)

Description:

Evergreen shrub or slender tree up to 8m high with smooth, cylindrical branchlets. Dark green, smooth, shiny, thick and leathery leaves. White flowers from October to December. Purplish-red fruit with white, sweet flesh.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

South America (Brazil)

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?

KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga

How does it spread?

Spreads by seeds

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and has the potential to replace indigenous species

What does it look like?

General description: Evergreen shrub or slender tree up to 8m high with smooth, cylindrical branchlets.
Leaves: Dark green, smooth, shiny, thick and leathery leaves.
Flowers: White flowers from October to December.
Fruit/Seeds: Purplish-red fruit with white, sweet flesh

Does the plant have any uses?

Birds and probably monkeys eat the fruits, edible fruits, ornament

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