Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

A bushy shrub growing to 6-12 feet. Glossy leaves, with some similarities to the strawberry guava. From seed, flowering has occurred after three years. Fruits ripen several weeks later. Some sources have listed this species as part of the Marlieria genus. When seeds were previously offered we listed the species this way as well. Recent identification would indicate placement in the Psidium genus and the plant bears considerable similarities to other Psidium's.

Hardiness

The species shows some surprising frost tolerance. While not as tolerant as the strawberry guava, we have had some mature plants survive 28F with no damage. Temperatures below 28F caused leaf burn and presumably a degree or two colder would be lethal to the plant.

Growing Environment

The species would appear to do well in similar conditions as the strawberry guava. Water with some regularity, though mature plants showed some tolerance to drier conditions. Likely not too picky about soil type, so long as soil is well drained. Grow in filtered sun to full sun. Protect from freezes and sustained temperatures above 100F.

Propagation

By seeds. Fresh seeds take from 1-2 months to germinate.

Uses

The fruits have an acidic flavor which in our experience, can be variable. Some specimens produce fairly tasty fruits with an acidic bite. In other specimens, the fruits can have bitter overtones. Seasonal climate also would appear to play a role in flavor quality as well. Presumably the fruits could be used for flavoring and though small, could likely be eaten fresh as well. Some sources claim this species has similarities to the camu-camu with regards to its nutritional benefits. We are not aware of a breakdown of the chemical components of the fruit, but due to its coloration, familial links and overall flavor, the fruits could have high antioxidants like the camu-camu.

Native Range

Native to the Atlantic rainforest region of Brazil.

Additional Pictures

Related Species

Myrtaceae
	Acmena smithii (Eugenia smithii) Lilly Pilly		Callistemon pallidus Lemon Bottlebrush
	Calyptropsidium sartorianum Sartre Guava		Campomanesia adamantium White Guabiroba
	Campomanesia guaviroba Guabiroba		Campomanesia lineatifolia Perfume Guava
	Campomanesia obversa Guavira mi		Campomanesia xanthocarpa Gabiroba
	Eucalyptus deglupta Rainbow Eucalyptus		Eugenia aggregata Cherry of the Rio Grande
	Eugenia axillaris White Stopper		Eugenia brasiliensis Grumichama
	Eugenia brogniartiana Eugenia brogniartiana		Eugenia candolleana Rainforest Plum
	Eugenia dysenterica Cagaita		Eugenia foetida Spanish Stopper
	Eugenia klotzschiana Brazilian Pear		Eugenia luschnathiana Pitomba
	Eugenia lutescens Perinha		Eugenia megacarpum Giant Lau Lau
	Eugenia patrisii Turtle Berry		Eugenia pitanga Savanna Pitanga
	Eugenia punicifolia Beach Cherry		Eugenia reinwardtiana Cedar Bay Cherry
	Eugenia selloi Pitangatuba		Eugenia stipitata Araca Boi
	Eugenia uniflora Surinam Cherry		Eugenia uvalha Uvalha
	Eugenia victoriana Sundrop		Feijoa sellowiana Feijoa
	Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea Tree		Melaleuca incana Gray Honey Myrtle
	Myrcianthes fragrans Simpson's Stopper		Myrcianthes pungens Guabiyu
	Myrciaria aureana White Jaboticaba		Myrciaria cauliflora Jaboticaba
	Myrciaria dubia Camu Camu		Myrciaria floribunda Rumberry
	Myrciaria glazioviana Yellow Jaboticaba		Myrciaria oblongata Sour Jaboticaba
	Myrciaria tenella Cambui		Myrciaria vexator Blue Grape
	Myrtle communis Myrtle		Pimenta dioica Allspice
	Pimenta racemosa Bay Rum		Plinia edulis Cambuca
	Psidium acutangulum Para Guava		Psidium cattleianum Strawberry Guava
	Psidium copacabanensis Copacabana Guava		Psidium eugeniaefolia Purple Forest Guava
	Psidium firmum Savanna Guava		Psidium friedrichsthalianum Cas Guava
	Psidium guajava Guava		Psidium guajava Red Malaysian Guava
	Psidium guineense Brazilian Guava		Psidium littorale (P. cattleianum lucidum) Lemon Guava
	Psidium rufum Purple Guava		Syzygium aqueum Water Apple
	Syzygium aromaticum Clove		Syzygium cordatum Water Berry
	Syzygium cuminii Java Plum		Syzygium forte White Apple
	Syzygium jambos Rose Apple		Syzygium malaccense Malay Apple
	Syzygium oleosum Blue Lilly Pilly		Syzygium paniculatum Brush Cherry
	Syzygium samarangense Wax Jambu		Syzygium suborbiculare Lady Apple
	Syzygium versteegii Syzygium versteegii		Ugni molinae Chilean Guava
	Ugni myricoides Black Chilean Guava