Siam Villa Garden: ต้นฝรั่ง

English Name: Guava Tree

Scientific Name: Psidium Guajava

Family: Myrtaceae

Thai Name: ต้นฝรั่ง

Native in: Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Central America

Guavas originated from an area thought to extend from Mexico, Central America or northern South America throughout the Caribbean region. Archaeological sites in Peru yielded evidence of guava cultivation as early as 2500 BCE.

Guavas are grown in a variety of tropical and subtropical climates. Commercially, several species are farmed; the apple guava and its cultivars are the most widely exported. Guavas may also be found in southern Europe, particularly on the Costa del Sol in Málaga, Spain, and in Greece, where they have been commercially produced since the middle of the twentieth century and cultivars abound. Most mature trees are cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 4 °C (25 °F) for brief periods of time, but smaller plants would likely freeze to the ground.

Guavas are of interest to home growers in subtropical areas as one of the few tropical fruits that can grow to fruiting size in pots indoors. When grown from seed, guava trees can bear fruit in two years, and can continue to do so for forty years.

Medicinal Use

The leaf and the fruit, among other components of the plant, are used as medicines. Guava leaf is used to treat stomach and intestinal problems, as well as discomfort, diabetes, and wound healing. High blood pressure is treated with this fruit. Vitamin C, fiber, and other antioxidant-like compounds may all be found in the guava fruit. Antioxidants help to reduce or eliminate the negative consequences of oxidation. The addition of oxygen to a chemical element or molecule is known as oxidation. Guava leaves also contain compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.