Mexican Guava
The Guava, a distinguished member of the Myrtle family, is widely recognized under its common English name or its equivalents in various languages. In Spanish-speaking regions, it is known as “guayabo” or “guayavo” for the tree, and “guayaba” or “guayava” for the fruit.
This versatile tree typically reaches a height of up to 33 feet, with a broad, spreading canopy. Its distinctive appearance is marked by smooth, thin, copper-colored bark that peels away to reveal a greenish layer underneath. Over time, the trunk can achieve a diameter of up to 10 inches, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The evergreen leaves, which are aromatic when crushed, are oval, leathery, and range from 5 to 15 centimeters in length. They feature prominent parallel veins and a slightly downy texture on the underside.
The Guava tree produces delicate, fragrant white flowers, which may appear singly or in small clusters within the leaf axils. Each flower measures approximately 1 inch in diameter and consists of 4 to 5 white petals that are quickly shed, leaving behind a tuft of up to 250 white stamens with pale-yellow anthers.
The Guava fruit, typically ranging from 2 to 4 inches in length, can be round or oval depending on the species. Its outer skin varies in texture and taste—ranging from rough and bitter to smooth and sweet. The skin color also changes with ripeness, transitioning from green to shades of yellow, maroon, or green. When ripe, the fruit emits a distinct, sweet musky fragrance. The pulp inside is juicy and can range from sweet to sour, with colors varying from off-white to deep pink. The fruit contains seeds, which can vary in number, hardness, and chewability. While some seeds are hard and yellowish, others are soft and chewable, and the number of seeds per fruit can range from 112 to 535. Some varieties may even be nearly seedless.
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