Feijoa

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana), also known as the pineapple guava, is an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Originally from the highlands of South America—specifically Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina—the plant is celebrated for its aromatic, sweet-tart fruit. Its aesthetic foliage and striking flowers make it a popular choice for both commercial plantations and residential landscapes.

The plant thrives in subtropical climates but is surprisingly hardy compared to other tropical fruits, capable of tolerating light frosts. In terms of botany, it features glossy, deep green leaves with a silver underside and dramatic, red-stamened flowers. The fruit itself is an ovoid berry that ripens in autumn or early winter, depending on the cultivar and the specific geographic region.

Successful cultivation of feijoa requires well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH. The plant performs best in full sun, which encourages both vegetative growth and prolific flowering. While mature trees are somewhat drought-tolerant, consistent soil moisture during the fruit development stage is critical to ensure a high-quality harvest. Strategic pruning is often necessary to maintain canopy density and improve airflow.

Cross-pollination is a significant aspect of feijoa agriculture. Most varieties are self-sterile, meaning that growers must plant two or more compatible cultivars in close proximity to ensure successful fruit set. Pollination is typically carried out by birds and insects that are attracted to the sweet, fleshy petals of the flowers, which are also edible.

Regarding хозяйственное usage, the fruit is widely consumed fresh, added to fruit salads, or processed into jams, jellies, and beverages. It is highly valued for its nutritional profile, particularly its high iodine, fiber, and vitamin C content. Growers must monitor for common threats, including scale insects and mites, while ensuring good sanitation practices to prevent fungal pathogens like anthracnose from impacting fruit yields.

• Hardiness zones: 8–11.
• Bloom time: late spring to early summer.
• Harvest method: hand-picking when fruits drop.
• Soil requirements: rich, well-draining loam.