Common Name: Strawberry Guava

Scientific Name: Psidium littorale var. longipes syn. Psidium cattleyanum

Origin: Brazil

Height: 3 – 5 m

Width: 3 m

Plant type: Perennial tree

Climate: Sub-tropical, tropical, cool and warm temperate

Soil: Most soil types.

Position: Full sun to part shade.

Uses:

Fruits – best eaten fresh from the tree. The flesh is sweet, if a little seedy. The multiple small seeds inside can also be quite hard so take care of your teeth when chewing. They are also commonly used to make jams, jellies and cordials.

Leaves – can be used to make herbal tea.

Pest and Diseases: Very prone to fruit fly attack. So much so that they are often planted as a ‘lure’ tree in which baits for fruit fly are placed. If there are fruit flies in your garden then chances are that this fruiting tree will be one of it’s first spots to visit. Be vigilant regarding fruit fly control and ensure that ripe fruits are pick promptly and not allowed to rot on the ground.

Caution: Weed potential so be careful to plant away from bushland areas.