A very variable species that is the source of much confusion. Even the author of the valid name (Swartz) assumed the Guinea Coast of Africa as place of origin![].
The tree is often confused with the true guava, Psidium guajava, and hybridizes with that species in nature[].

Common Name: Brazilian Guava

General Information

Brazilian guava is a very variable plant, usually a shrub but sometimes a small tree[]. A relatively slow-growing plant, it can reach a height of up to 7 metres, but is usually smaller.
The tree is occasionally cultivated at medium elevations in some areas of the tropics, especially S. America, for its edible fruit[, , , ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil; north through Central America to Mexico and the Caribbean

Habitat

Wet to dry thickets or open forest, often in oak or pine forest, frequently on rocky open hillsides or plains, at elevations up to 2,400 metres, but most common at middle elevations[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of tropical to warm subtropical climates[].
Plants are tolerant of a variety of soil conditions[]. Does not grow well on light, sandy soils[].
At Agartala in Tripura, northeast India, this plant has become thoroughly naturalized and runs wild[].
While no named cultivars have been reported, this species has been crossed with the common guava (Psidium guajava) and the hybrids are dwarf, hardy and bear heavy crops[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - usually eaten raw, it can also be baked, stewed or made into a paste[]. The small, greenish-yellow fruits are subacid to acid, with a hint of strawberry in the flavour[]. They lack the strong musky aroma of the common guava (P. guajava)[]. The ovoid fruit is a bit smaller than the common guava and too bitter or resinous to be palatable[]. The ellipsoid fruit is 2 - 3cm in diameter[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the bark, or of the roots, is employed to treat urinary diseases, diarrhoea and dysentery[]. It is said to reduce varicose veins and ulcers on the legs[].

A leaf decoction is taken to relieve colds, bronchitis and diarrhoea[, ].

The juice of the young fruit is squeezed and used as a treatment for dysentery and upset stomachs[].

Other Uses

The bark is rich in tannin[].

The wood is strong and used for tool handles, beams, planks and agricultural instruments[].

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings

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