Psidium littorale longipes, commonly known as the strawberry guava, is a species of small evergreen tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to the coastal regions of Brazil. Its scientific name Psidium refers to the genus of the plant, while "littorale" indicates its coastal habitat, and "longipes" describes the elongated petioles or leaf stalks.
This tree typically reaches an average height of 3 to 7 meters, featuring a smooth grayish-brown bark and dense foliage. Its leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, glossy, and have prominent veins. The strawberry guava's flowers are small, white, and possess numerous stamens, giving off a pleasant fragrance.
The distinctive feature of this plant is its edible fruit, which resembles a strawberry in size and appearance. The fruit is round or ovoid, usually measuring between 1.5 to 4 centimeters in diameter. When ripened, the skin turns from green to yellow or reddish, depending on the variety. The pulp inside is soft, juicy, and can range from white to pinkish-red in color, with a sweet and tangy flavor resembling a combination of strawberry and guava, hence its common name.
Due to its delicious fruit and ornamental value, Psidium littorale longipes has been cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is popular in home gardens and occasionally grown commercially. The tree prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location, producing fruits within a few years of planting. Besides being consumed fresh, the strawberry guava is also used in jams, jellies, juices, and desserts. It is considered a valuable addition to horticulture and contributes to biodiversity conservation in its native
