Family: Myrtaceae
Common Name: Pineapple Guava

Native to Brazil and Argentina, these attractive, evergreen shrubs, with red and white flowers, are often used as hedges and ornamentals, and make very good windbreaks. They are also grown for their edible fruits which taste of pineapple and guava. The fruits are eaten raw or used in salads or jams.

Species

F. sellowiana (Synonym: Acca sellowiana) is a quick-growing, compact shrub to about 2 m (6 ft). It has oblong, gray-green leaves, white below, and red and white flowers with conspicuous, red stamens in summer. The oval, green fruits, tinged with red, grow to 5 cm (2 in) long. Cultivars which produce quality fruits include 'Beechwood', 'Coolidge' and 'Nazemetz'. These are self-fertile and therefore single trees will produce fruit.

Cultivation

These plants reed a well-drained, sandy loam, rich in organic matter. They fruit best in a moist, subtropical climate, although warmth, sun and moisture are also necessary for cultivation as an ornamental. In cool cli­mates fruiting is better in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Propagate from seed sown when ripe and germinate in a temperature of 16°C (61°F). Keep seedlings shaded and transplant when about 10 cm (4 in) high into the garden. Fruiting plants should be spaced 4-7 m (13-23 ft) apart. They can also be increased by layering or from semi-ripe cuttings taken from the ends of branches and struck under glass. Two plants are needed for cross-pollination. Wait for the fruits to autumn, then store until they emit a pineapple-like aroma.

Climate

Zone 8.