PSIDIUM GUAJAVA - GUAVA.
Common name: guava, jambu klutuk, amrud, guyaba.
Family: myrtaceae (myrtle family).
Guava is a small tropical tree that grows up to 35 feet tall; it has spreading branches and smooth bark.
The leathery leaves are opposite oblong-elliptic and have pronounced veins. When crushed they are aromatic.
The flowers are white and somewhat fragrant.
Although a tropical species, the tree can withstand some cold for a short period of time but no more than a few degrees of frost!
Guava is widely grown for its fruit in the tropics. It has a distinctive fresh aroma with a sweet musk odor and the vitamin C content is higher than in citrus.
The juicy, fruit pulp is used in drinks or made into jelly.
In Suriname's traditional medicine, the whole guava-plant is used.
The leaves and bark are used for diarrhea and dysentery, for stomach upsets and to regulate menstrual periods.
Guava has anti-bacterial activity and hypoglycemic properties.
Hardiness: USDA zone 9 - 11.
Propagation: seeds.
Culture: sun, moist soil, protect from frost, serious damage occurs at 26° F.
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