Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Psidium guajava L., Sp. Pl. 470 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
yellow guava
 Description

Shrub or small tree to c. 3 m high. Trunk smooth, light brown. Shoots quadrangular, densely hairy. Petiole 5–10 mm long. Lamina 8–14 × 4.5–7 cm, oblong-elliptic to obovate-elliptic, densely hairy at first, especially on veins below, becoming glabrous above at maturity, abundantly dotted with glands beneath, ± rounded at either end; veins parallel and prominent, impressed above and raised beneath. Fls solitary; pedicels densely hairy, c. 1 cm long, with 2 subulate bracteoles c. 3 mm long. Hypanthium c. 5 mm deep, campanulate, densely hairy; calyx limb splitting into 4–5, prominent, hairy, glandular, lobes 7–8 mm long. Petals 10–13 mm long, elliptic, white, glandular-punctate. Stamens mostly slightly < petals. Style c. 1 cm long. Fr. globose or subglobose, 3–4 cm diam., becoming yellow; flesh pink, sweet. Seeds numerous.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Jul.–Mar.

 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Miller, E. 2020: White-flowered myrtles: an overview of white-flowered myrtaceous trees and shrubs native or cultivated in New Zealand. New Zealand Botanical Society Newsletter 139: 13–17.
Steele, R.; Lowe, M. 2002–2006: Index. Subtropicals Index: 1–12.