Psidium cattleyanum: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:18, 21 February 2025

Species of plant

Psidium cattleyanum, commonly known as strawberry guava, is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It is native to Brazil and has become an invasive species in several regions, including Hawaii and Florida.

Description[edit]

Psidium cattleyanum is a small tree or shrub that typically grows to a height of 2 to 6 meters. The leaves are opposite, glossy, and dark green, with a leathery texture. The flowers are white, with numerous stamens, and are borne singly or in small clusters.

The fruit is a small, round berry, about 2 to 4 cm in diameter, with a thin skin that turns red or yellow when ripe. The flesh is juicy and sweet, with a flavor reminiscent of strawberries, hence the common name. The seeds are small and numerous.

Distribution and Habitat[edit]

Psidium cattleyanum is native to the coastal regions of southeastern Brazil. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and is often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields.

The species has been introduced to many other regions, including Hawaii, where it has become highly invasive, threatening native ecosystems by forming dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation.

Ecological Impact[edit]

In areas where it has been introduced, Psidium cattleyanum can have significant ecological impacts. Its ability to form dense stands can lead to the displacement of native plant species, reducing biodiversity. The plant is also a host for the fruit fly, which can affect agricultural crops.

Efforts to control its spread include mechanical removal, chemical treatments, and biological control methods. However, its rapid growth and ability to resprout from roots make management challenging.

Uses[edit]

Despite its invasive nature, Psidium cattleyanum is valued for its edible fruit. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and beverages. It is also used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.

The wood of Psidium cattleyanum is hard and durable, making it suitable for use in small-scale woodworking projects.

Cultivation[edit]

Psidium cattleyanum is cultivated in some regions for its fruit. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. The plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.

Propagation is typically by seed, although cuttings can also be used. The plant can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and size.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|An overview of Psidium cattleyanum, its characteristics, uses, and ecological impact}}
+{{short description|Species of plant}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Strawberry guava
+| image = Psidium_cattleianum_fruit.jpg
+| image_caption = Ripe fruit of ''Psidium cattleyanum''
+| genus = ''[[Psidium]]''
+| species = '''''P. cattleyanum'''''
+| authority = [[Sabine]]
+}}
-==Psidium cattleyanum==
+'''''Psidium cattleyanum''''', commonly known as [[strawberry guava]], is a species of [[flowering plant]] in the [[myrtle family]], [[Myrtaceae]]. It is native to [[Brazil]] and has become an [[invasive species]] in several regions, including [[Hawaii]] and [[Florida]].
-[[File:Psidium_cattleyanum_fruit.jpg|thumb|right|Ripe fruits of ''Psidium cattleyanum'']]
-''Psidium cattleyanum'', commonly known as Cattley guava or strawberry guava, is a species of guava native to the coastal regions of eastern [[Brazil]]. It is a member of the [[Myrtaceae]] family, which includes other notable species such as the common guava (''[[Psidium guajava]]'').
 ==Description==
+[[File:Starr_040518-0060_Psidium_cattleianum.jpg|thumb|left|Leaves and flowers of ''Psidium cattleyanum'']]
+''Psidium cattleyanum'' is a small tree or shrub that typically grows to a height of 2 to 6 meters. The leaves are opposite, glossy, and dark green, with a leathery texture. The flowers are white, with numerous stamens, and are borne singly or in small clusters.
-''Psidium cattleyanum'' is a small tree or shrub that typically grows to a height of 2 to 6 meters. The plant is characterized by its smooth, reddish-brown bark and glossy, dark green leaves that are elliptic to obovate in shape. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and have a leathery texture.
+The fruit is a small, round berry, about 2 to 4 cm in diameter, with a thin skin that turns red or yellow when ripe. The flesh is juicy and sweet, with a flavor reminiscent of [[strawberries]], hence the common name. The seeds are small and numerous.
-The flowers of ''Psidium cattleyanum'' are white, with numerous stamens, and are typically borne singly or in small clusters. The fruit is a small, round berry, approximately 2 to 4 cm in diameter, with a thin skin that turns red or yellow when ripe. The flesh of the fruit is juicy and aromatic, with a sweet flavor reminiscent of strawberries, hence the common name "strawberry guava."
 ==Distribution and Habitat==
+[[File:Starr_041113-0636_Psidium_cattleianum.jpg|thumb|right|''Psidium cattleyanum'' in its natural habitat]]
+''Psidium cattleyanum'' is native to the coastal regions of southeastern Brazil. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and is often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
-[[File:Psidium_cattleyanum_tree.jpg|thumb|left|''Psidium cattleyanum'' tree in its natural habitat]]
+The species has been introduced to many other regions, including [[Hawaii]], where it has become highly invasive, threatening native ecosystems by forming dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation.
-''Psidium cattleyanum'' is native to the coastal regions of eastern Brazil but has been widely introduced to other tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and disturbed areas. The plant is highly adaptable and can grow in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
 ==Ecological Impact==
+[[File:Starr_040209-0263_Psidium_cattleianum.jpg|thumb|left|Dense thickets of ''Psidium cattleyanum'']]
+In areas where it has been introduced, ''Psidium cattleyanum'' can have significant ecological impacts. Its ability to form dense stands can lead to the displacement of native plant species, reducing biodiversity. The plant is also a host for the [[fruit fly]], which can affect agricultural crops.
-''Psidium cattleyanum'' is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world, including [[Hawaii]], [[New Zealand]], and [[South Africa]]. Its ability to form dense thickets and outcompete native vegetation poses a significant threat to local ecosystems. The plant's seeds are dispersed by birds and other animals, facilitating its spread across large areas.
+Efforts to control its spread include mechanical removal, chemical treatments, and biological control methods. However, its rapid growth and ability to resprout from roots make management challenging.
-Efforts to control the spread of ''Psidium cattleyanum'' include mechanical removal, chemical treatments, and biological control methods. However, managing its impact remains a challenge due to its rapid growth and reproductive capabilities.
+==Uses==
+[[File:Starr_031002-0017_Psidium_cattleianum.jpg|thumb|right|Ripe fruit of ''Psidium cattleyanum'']]
+Despite its invasive nature, ''Psidium cattleyanum'' is valued for its edible fruit. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and beverages. It is also used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.
-==Uses==
+The wood of ''Psidium cattleyanum'' is hard and durable, making it suitable for use in small-scale woodworking projects.
-The fruit of ''Psidium cattleyanum'' is edible and is often consumed fresh or used in the preparation of jams, jellies, and beverages. The plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities, with its attractive foliage and flowers making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping in suitable climates.
+==Cultivation==
+[[File:Starr-120120-1791-Psidium_cattleianum-ripe_fruit_in_hand_showing_inside-Enchanting_Floral_Gardens_of_Kula-Maui_(24764914269).jpg|thumb|left|Inside of a ripe ''Psidium cattleyanum'' fruit]]
+''Psidium cattleyanum'' is cultivated in some regions for its fruit. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. The plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
-In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant have been used for their purported health benefits, including the treatment of digestive disorders and skin conditions. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.
+Propagation is typically by seed, although cuttings can also be used. The plant can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and size.
 ==Related Pages==
-* [[Psidium guajava]]
+* [[Myrtaceae]]
 * [[Invasive species]]
-* [[Myrtaceae]]
+* [[Guava]]
 [[Category:Myrtaceae]]
+[[Category:Flora of Brazil]]
 [[Category:Invasive plant species]]
-[[Category:Flora of Brazil]]