Acca sellowiana

Acca sellowiana, also called Brazilian Guava or feijoa, is a shrubby tree that produces small green fruits with rough skin and white flesh. The fruits are harvested in late autumn and only reach ripeness in regions with mild winters. The feijoa is a fruit tree but also ornamental, thanks to its beautiful spring flowering.

Different from the guava, the fruit of Acca sellowiana is small, elongated, green and fleshy, with rough skin and white flesh. Rich in vitamin C, its taste is reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and strawberry. The harvest takes place in October and November. It can be eaten raw, cut in half and enjoyed with a spoon, or used to make jams and compotes. It is a fruit that does not keep well.

Native to South America, the Brazilian Guava is a tree with reddish bark and a shrubby habit. It is hardy down to -10° C (14° F). It is a slow-growing tree, reaching a height of 3 m to 6 m (9.8 ft to 19.7 ft). Its greyish-green leaves are evergreen. In May and June, beautiful white flowers with long red stamens appear, which are particularly decorative. They give way to small green fruits, which ripen in late autumn in regions with mild winters. It is recommended to plant at least two trees to allow for cross-pollination and better fruiting.

The Brazilian Guava can be planted as a hedge, as a standalone tree, or in a container for cooler regions. It can be grown in the same zones as kiwi, with fruiting occurring at the same time.