Feijoa
Acca sellowiana
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Description
Feijoa, or Acca sellowiana, is a small evergreen shrub or tree native to the highlands of southern Brazil, parts of Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, feijoa serves as an excellent understory plant in food forests, providing dense foliage that acts as a windbreak and habitat for beneficial insects. Its flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, enhancing biodiversity. Feijoa is known for its resilience to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option. Traditionally, it has been used in South American cultures for its edible fruit and ornamental value. It thrives in a variety of soil types, especially well-drained loamy soils, and can be integrated into plant communities with nitrogen-fixing plants like clover to improve soil fertility. In a food forest, feijoa can play the role of a shrub layer, contributing to the ecosystem by providing food for humans and wildlife, and enhancing soil health through leaf litter. Guild companions include rosemary, lavender, and thyme, which can help deter pests and enhance growth.
Growing Details
Feijoa prefers well-drained loamy soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH values. Before planting, incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Mulching with organic materials like straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Planting alongside herbs like rosemary and lavender can enhance growth and deter pests. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest when fruits naturally fall from the tree, indicating ripeness. Store in a
Edible Parts
Fruit
Flowers
Tags
Hedge
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Scented Plant
Windbreak
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Acca sellowiana</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 southern Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay,
applicable geo region: South America
language used: sr
Flowering:
beginning
of October for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of March for 60 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: The fruit of the feijoa is edible and can be eaten raw, offering a unique flavor reminiscent of pineapple and guava. It is often used in desserts, jams, jellies, and beverages. The flower petals are also edible and can be used fresh in salads or as a decorative garnish. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, making it a nutritious addition to the diet. Harvesting typically occurs in late autumn when the fruit naturally falls from the tree, indicating ripeness. For storage, feijoa frui
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Feijoa is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit is believed to aid digestion and support the immune system. It is also used in some cultures to alleviate respiratory issues. However, consumption should be moderate as excessive intake may cause digestive discomfort due to high fiber content.
health concerns: Excessive consumption of feijoa fruit may cause digestive discomfort due to its high fiber content.
other uses: The plant can be used as a living hedge or windbreak in agroecological systems, providing shelter and habitat for wildlife. Its dense foliage and attractive flowers make it a valuable ornamental plant.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Acca sellowiana
common names: Ananas guava; Feijoa
family: Myrtaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Acca
Growing Conditions
area needed: 4.0 m
spacing: 2.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Medium
hardness:
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(9/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 5.0 m
max width: 4.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Feijoa prefers well-drained loamy soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH values. Before planting, incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Mulching with organic materials like straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Planting alongside herbs like rosemary and lavender can enhance growth and deter pests. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest when fruits naturally fall from the tree, indicating ripeness. Store in a
Potential Disturbances: Feijoa is generally resistant to pests, but can occasionally be affected by scale insects. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control scale populations. Companion planting with garlic or chives can help repel pests. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as an organic treatment if infestations occur.
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