Editing Myrciaria floribunda

{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; width: 320px; margin-left: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 1em;"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background: #e8e8e8;" | Guavaberry (''Myrciaria floribunda'')
|-
! Scientific name
| ''Myrciaria floribunda''
|-
! Common names
| Guavaberry; rumberry; myrtle berry
|-
! Genus
| [[Myrciaria]]
|-
! Family
| [[Myrtaceae]]
|-
! Order
| [[Myrtales]]
|-
! Fruit type
| Berry
|-
! Growth form
| Small evergreen tree
|-
! Native range
| Tropical America and the Caribbean
|-
! Climate and site
| Warm lowland tropics; moist or seasonally dry coastal woodland
|-
! Mature size
| About 12–20 m in the wild
|-
! Propagation
| Fresh seed; other methods need species-specific confirmation
|-
! Fruit
| Edible guavaberry
|-
! Harvest
| Regional timing varies; harvest ripe berries promptly
|-
! Years to fruit
| N/A
|}

'''Guavaberry''' ('''''Myrciaria floribunda'''''; also rumberry and myrtle berry) is a slow-growing evergreen fruit tree in the family [[Myrtaceae]]. It is native to tropical America and the Caribbean and is cultivated or gathered for its edible berries.<sup id="cite_ref-1">[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-2">[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>

== Description ==
In natural conditions the tree can reach about 12–20 m and develops an elongated crown. The small berries are borne on mature growth; common names overlap with unrelated guava plants, so the scientific identity is important when selecting planting material.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>

== Distribution and habitat ==
The species occurs in dry or moist coastal woodland and other warm lowland habitats, generally to about 300 m. That range crosses different rainfall regimes, so a Caribbean dry-season schedule should not be transferred unchanged to a wetter mainland site.<sup id="cite_ref-3">[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-4">[[#cite_note-4|[4]]]</sup>

== Cultivation ==
Guavaberry is suited to warm lowland tropical conditions and needs protection from frost. In seasonally dry sites, establish it with reliable irrigation until the root system is extensive; in wet sites, use a position that drains after heavy rain.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>

=== Soil and water ===
Use a deep, organic, well-drained soil. Native habitats include both moist and seasonally dry woodland, so the practical target is steady moisture during active growth with drainage during wet spells. Mulch helps buffer the dry season, but prolonged saturation is not implied by the species' coastal range.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>

=== Sun and humidity ===
Full sun or light filtered shade can be used once the plant is established. Warm humid air is favorable, while exposed dry wind increases irrigation demand. Keep the canopy open enough for airflow in humid gardens.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>

=== Seasonal changes ===
Use the local wet/dry rhythm rather than a fixed calendar. Increase water as flowering and fruit enlargement begin after a dry interval, and maintain enough moisture for fruit development; the flowering and harvest season differs across the Caribbean and tropical American range.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

== Propagation ==
Fresh seed is the most defensible starting method for guavaberry. Germination behavior, vegetative propagation, pollination, and bearing age require species-specific confirmation, so no precise years-to-fruit value is given. Seed from a known fruiting tree is preferable when fruit quality matters.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>

== Flowering, fruiting, and harvest ==
Flowering and harvest timing varies with rainfall, latitude, and local cultivation. Pick the berries when ripe and process or cool them promptly because small soft fruit loses quality quickly. A single universal harvest month is not established.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>

== Fruit and uses ==
Ripe guavaberries are eaten fresh and used in local drinks, preserves, and other preparations. They should not be confused with guava (''Psidium guajava'') or with a different Myrciaria species; flavor and fruiting performance belong to the identified plant.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-4|[4]]]</sup>

== References ==
* <span id="cite_note-1"></span>[[#cite_ref-1|↑]] '''[1]''' [https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/match?name=Myrciaria%20floribunda GBIF species match: Myrciaria floribunda]. Accepted exact match; family, order, and genus.

* <span id="cite_note-2"></span>[[#cite_ref-2|↑]] '''[2]''' [https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Myrciaria+floribunda Useful Tropical Plants: Myrciaria floribunda]. Habit, range, habitat, cultivation, fruit, and use context.

* <span id="cite_note-3"></span>[[#cite_ref-3|↑]] '''[3]''' [https://powo.science.kew.org/results?q=Myrciaria%20floribunda Plants of the World Online: Myrciaria floribunda]. Taxonomic and distribution record.

* <span id="cite_note-4"></span>[[#cite_ref-4|↑]] '''[4]''' [https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Myrciaria+floribunda Plants For A Future: Myrciaria floribunda]. Edibility, habitat, and general plant-use context.

== Image credits ==
* No image used; a suitable hosted shared file was not available.

[[Category:Fruits]]
[[Category:Myrciaria]]
[[Category:Tropical fruit trees]]