Content
The guava is originally from Latin America
The exotic origin of the guava
The guavas (Psidium), which belong to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), produce berry-like fruits that contain a great deal of vitamin C and are otherwise very healthy. In addition, the slightly sour fruit is also quite tasty - in taste similar to passion fruit - and is also considered relatively uncomplicated in the care. No wonder, then, that the exotic plant is increasingly cultivated here as a container plant.
Origin and distribution
Endemic - d. H. Originally - Guavas are mainly at home in Central and South America as well as in the Caribbean. There, the trees and shrubs grow up to six meters in average in the tropical and subtropical climate and provide the locals all year round equally tasty and healthy fruits that are consumed raw as well as processed into jams and compotes. Since the plant is considered quite fertile and adaptable, has now spread to other tropical regions or was introduced there by humans. Native of the plant is exclusively in the New World, where it has formed an amazing biodiversity with an estimated 150 different species. However, not all of them produce the coveted fruits.
Types and varieties of guava
The edible species of guava include, for example, the real guava (Psidium guajava), which is native to South America. It is a tree up to 13 meters high in its homeland with a smooth, gray bark. This usually forms pear-shaped fruits with white or yellow flesh. The shell is also yellow when mature. The Brazilian guava (Acca sellowiana), which is also referred to as pineapple guava or Feijoa, it is, however, a shrubby waking tree that reaches a maximum of about five meters in nature. The fruit is not unlike a kiwi in shape and color. This species is particularly suitable for a bucket attitude and tolerates even slight frosts. Although the Brazilian guava is also a myrtle plant, but strictly speaking, it does not belong to the guavas - in contrast to the strawberry guava (Psidium cattleyanum), which is also cultivated as a container plant and provides bright red fruits.
Tips
No matter which guava you want to pull at home, none of the plants is hardy. The plants originating from the tropics must be winterized at about 10 ° C cool and frost-free as bright as possible.