Psidium cattleianum (cattleyanum) Sabine

Psidium cattleianum, commonly known as the Chinese Guava, Cattley Guava or Strawberry Guava, is a small South American fruit tree that will delight curious gardeners, food lovers and exotic enthusiasts. Apart from its low hardiness, comparable to that of a grapefruit tree, the plant is relatively undemanding, much less so than most citrus trees. Its attractive, white, myrtle-like flowers give way to small, deliciously sweet and tangy fruits, dark red when fully ripe.They are harvested between August and October depending on the climate and cultivation method. The Chinese Guava tolerates a wide range of soils, it can withstand heat and is quite water-efficient. However, drought will negatively affect the quality and abundance of the harvest. It adapts well to container cultivation, allowing it to be protected during winter.

Psidium cattleianum, sometimes spelled Psidium cattleyanum, is an evergreen tree belonging to the myrtle family, just like the Feijoa, Eucalyptus and Myrtles, with which it shares a flowering adorned with prominent stamens. It is native to Latin America, particularly Brazil and Uruguay where it is cultivated for its fruits. This species has been introduced to certain tropical and subtropical regions where it has become invasive, especially in wet areas. The tree is not very hardy, down to -5 °C, but can resprout from the stump when completely frozen. However, in this case, it will not flower in the same year. Reaching approximately 3.50 m (11ft) in height and 1.75 m (6ft) to 2 m (7ft) in width in the ground in our latitudes, or even slightly wider, it maintains a more shrubby than tree-like habit, especially if grown in a pot or regularly pruned. Its habit is naturally rounded, dense and slightly trailing.

The Cattley Guava has a slow to very slow growth. Its smooth, cinnamon-brown bark peels off in thin flakes, revealing a pink background. Its foliage is evergreen in winter. It consists of leathery, ovate leaves with rounded edges, shiny green on the upper side, dotted with translucent pores. Arranged in an opposite manner on the branches, they measure 3 to 12 cm (1 to 5in) in length and 2 to 6 cm (1 to 2in) in width. The shrub flowers on the young shoots, in late spring, in May-June in mild climates. Its white flowers, 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter, are slightly fragrant. From their white petals emerge a beautiful cluster of silky white stamens. After pollination by insects, they will transform into round to pear-shaped fruits, 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter. When ripe, they turn a shiny violet-red colour. Their pulp is creamy white, with a soft and juicy texture. It contains hard seeds that are best removed before consumption. The flavour of these small guavas is both sweet and tangy, with an aroma reminiscent of wild strawberries. Being self-fertile, this fruit tree will be even more productive in the close presence of another specimen. Birds, like humans, are very fond of these small fruits.

The Chinese Guava can only be acclimatised in the ground in areas with mild winters. Elsewhere, it is best grown in a container like citrus trees, allowing it to be stored during winter to protect it from frosts, in a bright but unheated location. In the garden, in warm oceanic climates or Mediterranean areas, it can be planted as a hedge or in isolation. As a collector's plant for a tropical orchard, it can accompany Pitayas, passion fruits and prickly pears. The fruits can be consumed fresh, as juice, in fruit salads (remove the seeds), or cooked to make compote and jam, sorbet, syrup, on tarts, etc. It is a delicate fruit with a subtle, aromatic flavour that does not keep well.