Strawberry Guava
Psidium cattleianum
Common Names: Strawberry Guava, Cattley Guava, Cherry Guava
Local Name: Strawberry Koiya (Tamil), Lal Amrood (Hindi)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Eastern Brazil (Atlantic coastal forests)
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen shrub or small tree
Variety: Red Strawberry Guava (var. cattleianum) — small, deep red fruit
Average Lifespan: 30–40 years
🌿 Botanical Description
| Growth Habit | Dense, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with smooth bark |
| Plant Size | 2–6 meters tall; compact canopy |
| Leaves | Simple, opposite, obovate, 5–10 cm long; thick, glossy dark green, leathery |
| Flowers | White, solitary, 2–3 cm diameter with numerous stamens |
| Flower Characteristics | Fragrant, 4–5 white petals with prominent brush-like stamens; self-fertile |
| Fruit | Small, round, 2–4 cm diameter; deep red to maroon skin with white to pinkish pulp |
| Fruit Color | Deep red to dark maroon when ripe |
| Seed Characteristics | Several small, hard seeds embedded in soft pulp |
| Root System | Shallow to moderately deep fibrous root system |
☀ Growing Conditions
| Climate | Tropical to subtropical; more cold-tolerant than common guava |
| Temperature Range | 15–30°C ideal; tolerates brief frost down to -5°C |
| Rainfall Requirement | 1000–2000 mm annually; tolerates moderate drought |
| Soil Type | Adaptable; prefers well-drained sandy loam to clay loam |
| Soil pH Preference | 5.0–7.0 |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun to partial shade (4–8 hours daily) |
| Spacing | 3–5 meters between plants |
| Irrigation Method | Drip or basin irrigation; consistent moisture during fruiting |
| Water Requirement | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Yes, excellent container plant in 20–30 liter pots |
🌾 Cultivation & Care
| Fertilizer Schedule | 3–4 times per year during growing season |
| Recommended Organic Fertilizers | Compost, well-rotted manure, fish emulsion, bone meal |
| Pesticide Frequency | Minimal; generally pest-resistant |
| Recommended Organic Pesticides | Neem oil for scale insects; fruit fly traps |
| Mulching Practice | Organic mulch (leaf litter, wood chips) around base |
| Training System | Open center or natural form; can be hedged |
| Pruning Time | After harvest; light pruning year-round |
| How to Prune | Remove suckers, thin interior for airflow; tip-prune for bushier growth |
| Common Pests | Fruit fly, scale insects, guava moth |
| Common Diseases | Anthracnose, algal leaf spot, root rot in waterlogged soil |
| Disease Prevention & Remedies | Good drainage, avoid overhead watering, copper-based fungicides |
🌸 Flowering & Fruiting
| Flowering Months | Spring to early summer (March–May in tropics) |
| Fruiting Season | Summer to autumn; 90–150 days after flowering |
| Days to Harvest | 90–150 days from flowering |
| Harvest Indicators | Fruit turns deep red, softens slightly, and develops sweet aroma |
| Average Yield per Plant | 10–20 kg per year (mature tree) |
| Pollination Type | Self-pollination; also insect-pollinated |
| Pollination Notes | Self-fertile; bees improve fruit set and size |
🌱 Pollination & Propagation
| Pollination Details | Self-compatible; single tree can produce fruit; bees enhance yield |
| Propagation by Seeds | Seeds germinate in 4–8 weeks; produces true-to-type plants |
| Propagation by Cuttings | Semi-hardwood cuttings possible but slow to root; use rooting hormone |
| Propagation by Grafting | Air layering or veneer grafting for faster fruiting |
💧 Environmental Impact & Sustainability
| Water Usage | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil Conservation Practices | Dense root system stabilizes soil; good for erosion control |
| Organic Practices Used | Mulching, composting, minimal chemical inputs needed |
| Companion Plants | Leguminous ground covers, banana, sweet potato |
| Biodiversity Benefits | Fruit attracts birds and wildlife; flowers support pollinators |
💰 Economic Importance
| Commercial Production Regions | Brazil, Hawaii, Florida, Southeast Asia, India |
| Market Uses | Fresh fruit, juice, jams, jellies |
| Processing Uses | Jam, jelly, fruit paste, beverages, ice cream flavoring |
| Market Value (Approx.) | ₹100–250 per kg (specialty fruit) |
🌿 Cultural Significance
| Symbolism | Represents tropical abundance; valued as a dooryard fruit tree |
| Traditional Uses | Fruit eaten fresh; leaves used in traditional herbal teas; bark used in folk medicine |
🍈 Nutritional Information
| Calories | 69 kcal per 100g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g per 100g |
| Vitamin C | 37 mg per 100g |
| Vitamin A | 624 IU per 100g |
| Iron | 0.22 mg per 100g |
| Potassium | 292 mg per 100g |
| Antioxidants | Rich in lycopene, carotenoids, and polyphenols |
| Other Key Nutrients | Folate, manganese, copper, vitamin B6 |
🌿 Medicinal Uses
| Anxiety & Sleep | Leaf tea used traditionally as a mild calming agent |
| Immune Support | Good vitamin C content supports immune function |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Leaf extracts show anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity |
| Heart Health | Dietary fiber and potassium support cardiovascular health |
| Digestive Health | High fiber content aids digestion; leaf tea used for diarrhea in folk medicine |
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
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