Strawberry Guava, Cattley Guava

Psidium cattleianum Sabine   

SID-ee-um cat-lee-AY-num

Myrtaceae

Explanation of name: From psidion, a Greek name for the pomegranate and for W. Cattley, an English horticulturist (WAT)

Synonyms: P. littorale Raddi. (WUN)

Natural range: Brazil. Escaped from cultivation (PBCC, WU2)

Recognition: Leaves opposite and obovate, thick and leathery, about 4” long. Smooth brown bark flaking off in thin sheets. Monoecious with white flowers about 1” in diameter. Prominent stamens. Round red berries 1.5” long (WAT). Leaves glabrous on the lower surface (WU2).

Landscape uses: As part of an enclosing barrier at 5’ intervals. Foundation plantings for large buildings 3’ away from wall. Listed by FEPPC as a Category I Invasive Plant, therefore not recommended for landscape use. Fruit can be messy. Propagation by seeds. Used as a jelly fruit.