Psidium cattleyanum f. lucidum - Strawberry guava

The Psidium cattleianum var. lucidum is a form of Chinese Guava with yellow fruits. This small fruit tree native to South America, also known as Cattley Guava or Strawberry Guava, appeals to curious gardeners, food enthusiasts, and lovers of exotic plants. Although its hardiness is moderate, comparable to that of a grapefruit tree, it is less demanding than most citrus trees. Its elegant white flowers, similar to those of myrtle, give birth to small edible fruits, sweet and slightly acidic, with green skin turning yellow when ripe. Harvesting takes place between August and October, depending on the climate and cultivation method. Chinese Guava tolerates various soil types, withstands heat well, and requires little water, although drought can affect the quality and quantity of fruits. It adapts well to container cultivation, allowing protection during winter.

The Psidium cattleianum, sometimes spelled Psidium cattleyanum, is an evergreen tree belonging to the myrtle family, like the Feijoa, Eucalyptus, and Myrtles, sharing a flowering display adorned with prominent stamens. It is native to Latin America, particularly Brazil and Uruguay, where it is cultivated for its fruits. This species was later introduced to certain tropical to subtropical regions where it became invasive, especially in humid areas. The tree is slightly hardy, down to -5 to -7°C, but capable of regrowth from the stump when completely frozen. However, it will not flower in the same year if this occurs. Nonetheless, some data suggest that this yellow-fruited variant has slightly greater hardiness. Reaching around 3.50 m in height and 1.75 to 2 m in width in open ground under our latitudes, potentially more in width, it maintains a more bushy than arborescent habit, especially if grown in a container or regularly pruned. Its natural growth is rounded, dense, and slightly trailing.

The Psidium cattleianum var. lucidum has a slow to very slow growth rate. Its bark, smooth and cinnamon-brown in colour, peels off in thin flakes, revealing a pinkish underlayer. Its foliage is evergreen in winter, composed of leathery, oval leaves with rounded edges, shiny green on top, speckled with translucent pores. Arranged oppositely on the branches, they measure 3 to 12 cm long by 2 to 6 cm wide. The bush blooms on young shoots in late spring, in May-June in mild climates. Its white flowers, 2 to 3 cm in diameter, are lightly scented. From their white petals emerge a beautiful cluster of silky white stamens. After pollination by insects, they develop into round to pear-shaped fruits, 2 to 3 cm in diameter. Upon ripening, they turn yellow in colour. Their pulp is creamy white, with a melting and juicy texture. They contain hard seeds that are best removed before consumption. The flavour of these small guavas is sweet and acidic, with an aroma reminiscent of wild strawberries. Self-fertile, this fruit tree will be more productive with a nearby congenitor. Birds, like humans, greatly enjoy these small fruits.

Chinese Guava can only be acclimated in open ground in regions with mild winters. Elsewhere, it is best cultivated in a container, like a citrus tree, to protect it from frost by placing it in a bright but unheated location during winter. In a garden in a warm oceanic or Mediterranean climate, it can be planted as a hedge or standalone. An ideal collection plant for a tropical orchard, it pairs well with Pitayas, Passion Fruits, or even Prickly Pears. The fruits are enjoyed fresh, as juice, in fruit salads after seed removal, or cooked in compotes, jams, sorbets, syrups, or as pie fillings. Delicate and subtly aromatic, these fruits, however, do not keep well.