Guava
Psidium guajava
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Description
Guava (Psidium guajava) is a small tropical tree or shrub native to Central America, renowned for its sweet, aromatic fruits. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, guava plays a crucial role as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, offering shade and habitat for various beneficial insects. Its dense foliage acts as a windbreak and provides organic matter through leaf litter, enhancing soil fertility. Guava is drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types, making it ideal for sustainable farming practices. It is often used in guilds with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and ground covers such as sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) to maximize ecosystem benefits. Historically, guava has been used in traditional medicine and as a food source, valued for its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties.
Growing Details
Guava trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like marigolds can help deter nematodes, while basil can repel aphids. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Prune regularly to maintain shape and enhance fruit production. Harvest fruits when they are slightly soft to the touch and emit a fragrant aroma. Store ripe guavas in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Edible Parts
Leaves
Fruit
Tags
Hedge
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Scented Plant
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Psidium guajava</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Central America, now widely cultiva
applicable geo region: Tropical and subtropical regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 90 days
Harvest:
beginning
of August for 60 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: Guava fruits are consumed fresh, juiced, or used in desserts, jams, and jellies. They are rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. The fruit is typically available from late summer to early fall. Guava leaves can be used to brew a tea, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Guava leaves and fruits are used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and inflammation. The leaves are often brewed into a tea for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit's high vitamin C content supports immune health, but excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.
health concerns: Excessive consumption of guava may lead to digestive discomfort in some individuals.
other uses: Guava wood is used for fuel and charcoal. The leaves can be used as a natural dye. The tree also serves as a windbreak and erosion control in agroforestry systems.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Psidium guajava
common names: Guava; Apple Guava; Common Guava
family: Myrtaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Psidium
Growing Conditions
area needed: 4.0 m
spacing: 3.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 40 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 10.0 m
max width: 8.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Guava trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like marigolds can help deter nematodes, while basil can repel aphids. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Prune regularly to maintain shape and enhance fruit production. Harvest fruits when they are slightly soft to the touch and emit a fragrant aroma. Store ripe guavas in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Potential Disturbances: Guava trees can be affected by fruit flies, aphids, and scale insects. Introduce beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs to control aphid populations. Use neem oil or garlic spray to manage scale insects. For fruit flies, employ trap cropping with plants like basil or use pheromone traps. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases such as anthracnose.
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