Pineapple Guava
Acca sellowiana
Pineapple Guava, Feijoa, or Guavasteen is an evergreen perennial shrub or small tree in the myrtle family. Although not a true guava, they are closely related to the tropical guava and originate from temperate South America. Growing up to 20 feet in height, Pineapple Guava is slow growing and is most typically seen as a shrub of 6 feet. The fruit of this plant is egg-sized, juicy, and tropical in flavor. Reminiscent of pineapple, apple, and mint in flavor, it’s cultivated commercially in several countries like New Zealand.
Although the Pineapple Guava is an evergreen, the trees require a cool winter period in order to flower and fruit, so these trees perform best in temperate and subtropical climates.
Cold hardy to zone 8 and above, or to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
The varieties 'Kaiteri' and 'Kakariki' are premium selections made in New Zealand that are renowned for being self-fertile, very early-ripening, and having very large fruit.