Description |
The Yellow Strawberry, or Lemon, Guava is a slow growing subtropical evergreen shrub or tree in the Myrtaceae family that produces small round fruits. It is native to Brazil and closely related to the Strawberry Guava, but produces slightly larger fruit 2.5-5cm in diameter with a protruding calyx, yellow skin, slightly yellow flesh, and a lemon and guava flavor. Lemon Guava trees are more tender than Strawberry Guavas and can only survive temperatures as low as -3.8° C. Their climactic requirements are closer to those of a lemon. The tree can endure flooding for short periods and is less drought-tolerant than the Strawberry Guava. Like other guavas, Lemon Guavas have obovate, glossy, leathery, deep green leaves, and white flowers. The tree's thin bark makes grafting difficult, so it is propagated by seed. Lemon Guava seed is more true to the parent than Strawberry. Germination takes 4-12 weeks at a temperature of 21-29°C; seeds will not germinate below 15°C. Lemon Guavas will produce fruit when grown in containers in colder regions, but should be moved outside during the summer. Trees are self-fruitful but benefit from cross-pollination with a second tree. The plant is frequently used as an ornamental hedge, but has become invasive in southern Florida and Hawaii. Fresh fruit lasts 3-4 days at room temperature when ripe and is eaten fresh, juiced, made into jams, or baked into pies and desserts.
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