Guava, Tropical Guava, Goiaba, Araçá-goiaba (Psidium guajava)

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Quyen Orange, CA(Zone 10b) Jun 17, 2005

Guava, Tropical Guava, Goiaba, Araçá-goiaba
Psidium guajava

This volunteer is about 6 years old.

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Post #1553472
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goldenstate Fresno, CA Jan 20, 2009

This is not a lemon guava, what you have there is a tropical guava (psidium guajava). Compare the leaves of your guava tree to that of other photos posted of the lemon guava (Psidium cattleianum ssp. lucidum).

Post #6026269
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Joan Belfield, ND(Zone 4a) Jan 20, 2009

Thank you for your observation. Can you tell me what the differences in the leaves are that point to it being Psidium guajava? I'm not familiar with this genus, but if you can point out some key characteristics, I would be happy to research it and learn more about the differences in the species.

Post #6026328
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goldenstate Fresno, CA Jan 24, 2009

You're welcome, I grow the two types of guavas in question so I can tell the difference. The key characteristics are that Psidium Guajava has MUCH larger/wider leaves than lemon guava (up to 5 or 6 inches in ideal conditions) and the leaves are dull. Lemon guava has thick, glossy leaves about 1.5 to 2 inches long. Their growth habits are also different in that Psidium Guajava is very airy and can easily get leggy, while the lemon guava is more compact. The fruit is also different. Lemon guava has fruit that is 1-2" in diameter and is somewhat sour (taste similar to passionfruit - for most people, too sour to eat out of hand, but a great fruit to make tasty drinks). Psidium Guajava is much larger and the fruits can get 4-5 inches in diameter (depending on the cultivar) and the fruit is sweet and delicious straight off the tree.
Hope this helps!

Post #6045368
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Joan Belfield, ND(Zone 4a) Jan 24, 2009

Thank you! I've moved the photos.

Post #6046486
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