Guabiyu (photo courtesy Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery - daleysfruit.com.au
Guabiyu
Myrcianthes pungens
Myrtaceae family
The Guabiyu bears a small fruit 1-2cm in size with a large seed; the skin is dark purple when ready to pick. Flavour is sweet and slightly acidic. In the southern hemisphere it blooms from September to October and bears fruit from November to January.
When crushed, the leaves release a resin that deters flies; the leaves can be scattered on the ground in areas where flies abound. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Native to Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
Tree Background
This has been a difficult tree for us to grow, as we had a very small specimen that was not robust enough and eventually succumbed to some tough weather conditions. Another tree has been sourced and planted in the Eugenia hedge close to the playground.
Tree Maintenance
Pruning
Myrcianthes pungens
Myrtaceae family
The Guabiyu bears a small fruit 1-2cm in size with a large seed; the skin is dark purple when ready to pick. Flavour is sweet and slightly acidic. In the southern hemisphere it blooms from September to October and bears fruit from November to January.
When crushed, the leaves release a resin that deters flies; the leaves can be scattered on the ground in areas where flies abound. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Native to Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
Tree Background
This has been a difficult tree for us to grow, as we had a very small specimen that was not robust enough and eventually succumbed to some tough weather conditions. Another tree has been sourced and planted in the Eugenia hedge close to the playground.
Tree Maintenance
Pruning
- Immediately after harvest as needed.
- Water weekly during very dry periods.
- Spring (early): liquid seaweed, poultry manure.
- Summer: compost around drip line.
- Autumn: liquid seaweed, sulphate of potash.
Guabiyu at LCG September 2022 (photo credit: Graham Bond)
