Guava Tree

The common guava, also known as Yellow Guava, Lemon Guava, Goiaba and Guayaba, is native to the Caribbean and central and South America where it is sometimes classified as a weed! A lovely exotic tree it has a reddish/brown bark, large green leaves and scented white flowers which produces delicious pear-shaped green/yellow fruits.

These plants are very slow growing when they are young but then speed up as they grow older.  Fruiting time varies from plant to plant and can be a few years or up to eight. The flowers are pollinated by insects.

The wood from the Guava tree is used in Hawaii for smoking meat but also makes good firewood or charcoal.

Guavas are a good source of Vitamin C and A.

• Evergreen (although in cooler climates they will lose leaves).
• Self-pollinating.
• Requires winter frost protection (of around 10°C).
• Likes a sunny position.
• Withstands drought conditions.
• Reaches 32 feet (10 metres) tall (although containerising will restrict this).
  
  
• Culinary Uses
• Lovely eaten straight from the tree.
• Great when cooked.
• Makes lovely desserts!
• Fruits are used to make wine in South Africa.
  
  
• Medicinal Uses
• Can be used to treat inflammation and ulcers.
• Can help with pain relief, rheumatism and fever.
• It is thought to help with diabetes.
• Can cure diarrhoea.
• Has been used to treat lung cancer.
  
  
• Other Uses
• Used in shampoo.
• Fruit and leaves used as livestock feed.
• The wood is used to make fence posts and tool handles.
• Used for tannin or dyeing.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.