Indigenous to the central region of the Americas, guava (scientific name Psidium guajava) is a small fruit bearing tree with smooth bark and dense wood. Its cultivation and naturalized growth have however spread globally to most tropical areas. Fruits produced by the plant contain many seeds that aid the reproductive rate of the tree which reach a usual height of 7-12 feet depending on the variety. Newly sprung leaves have a red tint but mature to become dark green in colour and approximately 11cm in length.
Phylum: Angiospermophyta
Family: Myrtacease
Genus: Psidium
Different varieties of the plant are characterized by variations in the fruit the tree produces. Variations may include difference in both the colour of the skin and pulp of the fruit, yellow and pink pulp are the common varieties in Jamaica. Their flavours are not very distinguishable, but the pink variety is often sweeter.
