Acca sellowiana Gemini

Acca sellowiana Gemini is a particularly floriferous variety of Brazilian Guava, which produces fruits that are longer and smoother than those of other cultivars. They have white flesh with a deliciously exotic flavour, combining notes of strawberry, guava, and pineapple. The fruits are harvested in late autumn and only reach maturity in regions with mild winters. As the bush is only partially self-fertile, it is preferable to plant another subject nearby (such as the Apollo variety) to obtain a more abundant harvest. Planting can be done in autumn or spring, with harvest in October and November. The Guava offers a beautiful mahogany bark, very attractive evergreen foliage with shiny almond green on the top and silver on the underside, and an original and delightful edible flowering.

The Acca sellowiana, also known as Pineapple Guava, is an evergreen tree belonging to the myrtle family, just like Eucalyptus and Myrtle, with which it shares a highly ornamental flowering adorned with long prominent stamens. It is native to subtropical regions of Brazil and Argentina. Despite its origins, the tree itself is relatively hardy, down to -12°C (10.4°F), regrowing from the stump when completely frozen. The tree may grow, but will not bear fruit in a cold climate, it may not even flower.

Reaching approximately 3m (10ft) in height and 2m (6.5ft) in width, 'Gemini' is a beautiful slow-growing bush with a reddish-brown bark and a bushy habit, which can be grown as a small tree with a single trunk or as a hedge. Its evergreen winter foliage is leathery, composed of opposite, simple, entire, ovate leaves, shiny grey-green on the top and white-grey on the underside. The young shoots are covered with a whitish down. It blooms on the young shoots, in June in mild climates. Its fleshy flowers with exceptional patterns appear to be made of white wax. On their pinkish petals with white undersides which are often rolled up, a large bouquet of bright red stamens rests. If the summer is long and warm enough, they will transform into elongated oval, green fruits the size of a kiwi, with smooth skin and white flesh, rich in vitamin C. The fruits are harvested in autumn and only reach maturity in regions with mild winters. It is sometimes difficult to assess the ripeness of the fruit: the simplest way is to taste one that seems slightly softer. Hard fruits that fall spontaneously to the ground can be stored in the refrigerator until Christmas. They continue to ripen at room temperature. Their flavour is slightly acidic but sweet and very tasty when fully ripe.

The Brazilian Guava is a wonderful tree that can resemble an olive tree, both ornamental and fruitful. In the garden, in warm oceanic climates or Mediterranean regions, it can be planted as a hedge or as a standalone tree. It tolerates sea spray well. It will also thrive in a large container in cooler regions. It is cultivated in the same zones as the kiwi, with fruiting occurring at the same time. The flowers are edible: their petals have a fruity, sweet, and tangy flavour that can bring an exotic note to savoury or sweet salads. The guava can be eaten raw, cut in half and spooned, or transformed into exceptional-tasting jams and lightly sweetened compotes, which can be stored in the freezer. It is a delicate fruit with a subtle flavour that does not keep well.