Is strawberry guava an invasive species?
Because of its destructiveness to native Hawaiian forests, strawberry guava is recognized by scientists and land managers as one of Hawaii’s worst invasive species. (Visit The Hawaii Conservation Alliance for more information on preserving native Hawaiian forests.)
Are guavas invasive?
Often classified as an invasive species, guava ignites a longstanding, transnational battle over foreign invaders and local customs. Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, Maria Sibylla Merian. Amsterdam: Apud Joannem Oosterwyk, 1719.
How big do strawberry guava trees get?
between 6 and 14 feet
Strawberry guava generally grows to heights between 6 and 14 feet (2-4.5 m.), although they can grow taller. As the name suggests, this tree usually produces red fruit, but yellow fruits are also possible.
Is guava invasive to Hawaii?
Likely originating from Central and South America, guava was brought to the Hawaiian islands early on in Western-contact days and has since provided wood, fruit and astringent medicine. But there’s one big problem with guava, strawberry guava in particular: it has become the most invasive tree species in Hawaiʻi.
Is guava indigenous to Hawaii?
Guava is an alien pest on Hawaii, spread by pigs and birds, and often growing in single species thickets crowding out other plants. It is native to the tropical Americas.
Is guava wood good for burning?
Whether grilling or smoking fresh chicken, pork, fish, lamb, or beef, strawberry guava wood will complement each flavor nicely. Strawberry Guava Firewood Burning Chunks are about 4″ x 1.5″ in size and have up to 12 pounds of wood in the box. Enjoy the flavor of Hawaii in your next BBQ!
Where should I plant my guava tree?
Plant guava in full sun; in dessert regions plant guava in partial shade or protect plants from the midday sun. Plant guavas in compost-rich, well-drained soil. Guavas will grow where the soil pH ranges from 4.5 to 9.4; a neutral pH is of 6.0 to 7.0 is optimal.
How did strawberry guava get to Hawaii?
Distribution: Native to the Neotropics, strawberry guava is believed to have been introduced to Hawaii in 1825 by the British voyaging ship Blonde. Since then it has been widely cultivated as an ornamental and reforestation plant.
How did strawberry guava arrive in Hawaii?
The aliens that arrived in Hawaii had hooves, seeds and an insatiable thirst to survive. This tree was introduced to Hawaii in 1825for its fruit and ornamental wood. Originally native to Brazil, the strawberry guava began to spread quickly in the wild through the digestive tracts of birds, livestock and wild pigs.
Where did the name Psidium cattleyanum come from?
The species is named in honour of English horticulturist William Cattley. Its genus name Psidium comes from the Latin psidion, or “armlet.”. The red-fruited variety, P. cattleyanum var. cattleyanum, is commonly known as purple guava, red cattley guava, red strawberry guava and red cherry guava.
How tall does a Psidium cattleianum tree get?
In full sunlight, it is a slow growing evergreen shrub, 2–4 m tall and often branching from the base with an overall round shape. Under shaded conditions, P. cattleianum is erect and branches weakly and can reach 8 m tall.
What kind of guava does Psidium cattleyanum grow?
Its genus name Psidium comes from the Latin psidion, or “armlet.”. The red-fruited variety, P. cattleyanum var. cattleyanum, is commonly known as purple guava, red cattley guava, red strawberry guava and red cherry guava. The yellow-fruited variety, P. cattleyanum var.
How does the control of Psidium cattleyanum work?
It works by focusing wood removal, burning, and other management efforts in the designated efforts. Feral pigs and non-native birds contribute to the spread of P. cattleyanum via seed dispersal. Thus, some control efforts involve removal and control of invasive fauna.