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Psidium guajava L.

Synonym                    : Psidium pyriferum L.

Family                        : Myrtaceae

Local Names              : Peraikka, Guava, Guajava

Flowering and fruiting period: March – May 

Distribution: Originally from Tropical America; now naturalised in the tropics

Habitat: Cultivated

IUCN status: Data Deficient

Endemic: No

Uses: Fruits edible. The dried ripe fruits are recommended as a remedy for dysentery, while the leaves and fruits are used as a cure for diarrhoea. The ripe, fresh fruit is eaten as a cure for constipation. The clear fruit juice has been recommended as a treatment for hepatitis, gonorrhoea, and diarrhoea. The oil from the seed contains bisabolene and flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Compounds in the leaves have shown antidiabetic activity. A decoction of the leaves or bark is taken externally as a lotion for skin complaints, ringworm, wounds, and ulcers. The plant has insecticidal properties.

Key Characters: Guava is a small tree; stem smooth with pealing bark. Leaves simple, opposite. Cymes axillary, 1-3-flowered;. Calyx tube, ovoid, densely hirsute; lobes 4. Petals 4, white, broadly ovate, caducous. Stamens many.  Ovary globose, many-celled; ovules numerous.  Berry, globose crowned by persistent calyx lobes; seeds many, embedded in fleshy pulp.