Guava, Tropical Guava, Goiaba, Araçá-goiaba

Psidium guajava

Physical Characteristics

Psidium guajava is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S. America from Peru north to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Pectin Fruit - raw or cooked. The flavour can range from sweet to acidic[296 ]. A soft fleshy pulp with a delicious aromatic flavour[296 , 303 ]. Very high in vitamin C, it is also a good source of vitamin A and pectin[296 , 303 ]. The fruit makes a very nice jam and can also be pureed then added to a range of desserts[296 ]. The yellow-skinned fruit can be ovoid or pear shaped, is 4 - 12cm in diameter and can weigh up to 500g[303 ] An edible oil is obtained from the seeds[301 ]. In some Asian countries such as Indonesia, the leaves are used in cooking[303 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antidiarrhoeal Antiinflammatory Antispasmodic Antitussive Astringent Dysentery Febrifuge Hypoglycaemic Mouthwash Parasiticide Skin Vitamin C Vulnerary A decoction of the plant is antispasmodic, astringent, febrifuge and vulnerary. Guava exhibits antibacterial action against intestinal pathogens such as Staphylococcus. All parts of the young fruit are astringent. The dried ripe fruits are recommended as a remedy for dysentery, while the leaves and fruits are used as a cure for diarrhoea. The ripe, fresh fruit is eaten as a cure for constipation. Water from soaking the fruit is good to treat diabetes. The clear fruit juice has been recommended as a treatment for hepatitis, gonorrhoea, and diarrhoea. The oil from the seed contains bisabolene and flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Compounds in the leaves have shown antidiabetic activity. The leaves are used as a treatment for diarrhoea, coughs, stomach ache and dysentery. The leaves are pounded, squeezed in salt water and the solution is used to treat toothaches. A decoction of the leaves or bark is taken externally as a lotion for skin complaints, ringworm, wounds, and ulcers. The bark, mixed with the roots of Achyranthes aspera and Urena lobata, is used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery.

Known Hazards

None known