Psidium cattleianum

Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum; also strawberry guava; cattley guava; cherry guava) is a Myrtaceae fruit plant grown for its berry.

Psidium cattleianum fruit, flower, or plant habit. Wikimedia Commons file page.
Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum )
Scientific name	Psidium cattleianum
Genus	Psidium
Family	Myrtaceae
Order	Myrtales
Fruit type	Berry
Growth form	Evergreen shrub or small tree
Climate and hardiness	Subtropical to tropical; more cold-tolerant than common guava
Mature height	2–8 m
Mature width	2–6 m
Soil	Adaptable and well-drained; tolerates acid soils and some poorer ground
Water	Moderate moisture; drought-tolerant once established
Sun	Full sun to light shade
Germination	2–8 weeks from seed; seedlings vary
Years to fruit	2–4 years from seed
Pollination	Self-fertile; insects improve fruit set
Harvest	Seasonal in subtropics, often extended or repeated in the tropics

Identification and description

Strawberry guava is a compact Psidium with glossy leaves and small red or yellow fruits carrying a strong berry-like aroma. It is useful in small gardens but can naturalize aggressively in some humid regions.

The accepted genus, family, and order are Psidium, Myrtaceae, and Myrtales. Common names may cover related taxa; check the scientific name before transferring cultivation advice.

Growing

Strawberry guava is a forest-edge shrub from eastern South America that tolerates humid and subtropical conditions. It fruits in sun or light shade, handles pruning well, and can become invasive where climate and birds favor naturalization.

Native habitats range from coastal and forest-edge areas to subtropical vegetation. The plant tolerates more cold and drought than common guava, but fruit quality and vigor improve with sun, moisture, and fertile soil. Control suckers and volunteer seedlings where the species is invasive.

Soil

Adaptable and well-drained; tolerates acid soils and some poorer ground.

Sun and humidity

Full sun to light shade. Native habitat and airflow matter as much as light intensity; avoid enclosing humid foliage without ventilation.

Seasonal changes

Flowering often follows a warm flush or renewed rain. In subtropical climates the main crop develops during warm months; in equatorial conditions several crops may occur. Reduce water only during cool weather and never let containers stay saturated.

Propagation

Seed is easy and produces productive plants, though fruit may vary. Cuttings and air-layers can preserve selected plants; grafting is less commonly needed because the species fruits young.

Field view or fruit detail of Psidium cattleianum. Wikimedia Commons file page.

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

Seasonal in subtropics, often extended or repeated in the tropics. Flowering and ripening are strongly affected by latitude, cultivar, rootstock, rainfall, and temperature; local records are more useful than a single universal calendar.

Fruit and uses

Eat ripe berries fresh or use them for juice, jelly, jam, syrups, and desserts. The aromatic skin is edible. Harvest promptly because fully ripe fruit softens quickly.

Commentary

Growers are invited to share observations about Strawberry guava on the talk page, especially climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering season, and fruit quality.

Photos

The images above show documented fruit, flower, or plant-habit views. See the individual Commons file pages in the image credits for authorship and license details.

Sources

• Useful Tropical Plants: Psidium cattleianum

Image credits

• Psidium cattleianum fruit.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
• Starr-050406-0241-Psidium cattleianum-habitat-Awalau-Maui (24625577082).jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.