The Purple Forest Guava, Psidium myrtoides, is a distinctive plant that offers both beauty and a unique fruit. Cultivating this lesser-known species can be a rewarding endeavor. This guide provides insights into understanding, cultivating, harvesting, and propagating this plant.
Understanding Purple Forest Guava
The Purple Forest Guava, Psidium myrtoides, is also known as Psidium eugeniaefolia or araçá-una. Native to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest regions, it thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It typically grows as a small to medium-sized tree or bushy shrub, reaching 4 to 8 meters in height.
The plant features glossy, dark green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. Solitary white flowers bloom from October to December, developing into distinctive fruit. The round fruits, 2.5 to 4.2 centimeters in diameter, ripen to a deep purple or black. Inside, the pulp is reddish or translucent purple, containing about ten small white seeds. The flavor is a complex blend of sweet and tart, often described as acidic with tropical notes reminiscent of berries or pineapple, though some variations may be slightly bitter.
Cultivating Purple Forest Guava
The Purple Forest Guava thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -4 degrees Celsius (28 degrees Fahrenheit) with minimal damage. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where cold air accumulates.
The Purple Forest Guava prefers full sun, ideally six to eight hours daily, but can also grow in partial shade or filtered light. Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter is beneficial. The ideal soil pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, between 4.5 and 7.0.
Consistent moisture is important for young plants, requiring deep and regular watering to establish root systems. Mature trees tolerate drier conditions but benefit from deep watering when the top few inches of soil are dry, ensuring it does not become waterlogged. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release product in spring, early summer, and late summer. Young trees benefit from 0.5 pounds of fertilizer every other month, while mature trees can receive about 2 pounds three to four times annually.
Pruning in late winter or early spring helps shape the tree, promotes new fruit growth, and improves air circulation, deterring pests and diseases. Manage common issues like fruit flies, anthracnose, or stylar end rot through good garden hygiene, adequate air circulation, and targeted treatments.
Harvesting and Enjoying Purple Forest Guava
Purple Forest Guava fruits are ready for harvest when their skin changes from green to deep purple or black, they soften slightly when squeezed, and emit a strong, sweet, musky aroma. Allowing fruit to fully ripen on the tree yields the best flavor, though harvesting slightly earlier can deter pests.
Once harvested, Purple Forest Guava fruit can be enjoyed fresh, offering a sweet-tart taste that varies in acidity. Its vibrant flavor lends itself well to culinary applications, including juices, jams, jellies, desserts, smoothies, sauces, sorbets, chutneys, and fruit syrups. Beyond taste, it is nutritious, providing vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Its deep purple color indicates antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, contributing to its healthful profile.
Propagating and Sourcing Purple Forest Guava
Purple Forest Guava can be propagated through both seed and cutting methods. Growing from seeds is viable, with plants typically fruiting within two to three years under favorable conditions. Guava seeds have a hard outer coating that benefits from scarification (scraping, soaking in water for two weeks, or boiling for five minutes) to encourage germination, which usually occurs within two to eight weeks. Plant seeds 0.25 to 0.5 inches deep in moist soil and keep warm, ideally between 24-29 degrees Celsius (75-85 degrees Fahrenheit), possibly with a heat mat.
Softwood cuttings are also effective for propagation. Cuttings of 4 to 8 inches with at least two to three nodes are recommended. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a moist potting mix improves success rates. Keep cuttings warm and humid; roots often develop within four to eight weeks. Root cuttings and air layering are additional methods.
While less common, Purple Forest Guava plants or seeds can be found through specialized nurseries or online vendors. Confirm local regulations and the plant’s suitability for your climate before acquiring.