Rhodomyrtus psidioides

Rhodomyrtus psidioides
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Rhodomyrtus
Species: R. psidioides
Binomial name
Rhodomyrtus psidioides
(G.Don) Benth.
Synonyms
  • Nelitris psidioides G.Don

Rhodomyrtus psidioides, the native guava, is a shrub or small rainforest tree to 12m high, native to eastern Australia.

Leaves are ovate to elliptic or oblong, 5–25 cm long and 2.5–6.5 cm wide, with a glossy upper surface and paler lower surface. Oil glands are numerous, and the leaves have a pineapple-like fragrance and stickiness when crushed. White or pink flowers occur in raceme-like inflorescences; followed by a berry, 15–25 mm long, 10–15 mm wide, yellow and fleshy.[1]

Uses

The berry of native guava is edible with a pleasant aromatic flavour. The tree is fast growing and has an important successional role in rainforest regeneration.

References

  1. Rhodomyrtus psidioides profile, Flora of NSW Online.