Psidium guajava ‘Folhas de Samambaia’
Psidium guajava var. ‘Folhas de Samambaia’ ‘Fern Leaf Guava’ is a really stunning phenotype of the tropical guava. The leaves have beautiful undulation and sectioning giving them an almost fern like appearance. The plant is apparently one that was found in the Dominican Republic growing in cultivation, I think by Jose Jimenez per e-Jardim’s article about this. Not only is the tree ornamental but if you are in love with guavas then you will definitely be into these. Flavors are reminiscent of tropical guava but will likely need to be grown in a climate with warmer drier winters in order for proper sugar and flavor development. Of the tropical types that I grow, this one does have fairly good flavor compared to others although it isn’t anything that’s going to replace some of the more uncommon guava species with very distinct flavor profiles.
Family: Myrtaceae
Name: Psidium guajava var. ‘Folhas de Samambaia’ ‘Fern Leaf Guava’
Common Name / Native Name: Fern Leaf Guava, Goiaba Folhas de Samambaia
Range: Dominican Republic, found in cultivation
Sun: Full sun/part shade
Height: 15 feet
Width: 12 feet
Foliage: Stunning Green foliage with purple/pink outlining and throughout the leaves. Really incredible foliage
Flower: Small white flowers similar to Psidium striatulum
Fruit: Small yellow fruits
Soil Type/ pH: Tolerates higher pH soils
USDA Climate Zones: 9b+
Cold Hardiness: Seems fairly cold hardy, should be able to tolerate brief frosts
Edibility: A mild tropical guava flavor that may develop more fully in warmer climate areas. Crisp, mildly sweet and slightly tangy.
Age to maturity: 3 years
Sources:
Wildlands Farm
https://e-jardim.com.br/produto/psidium-guajava-jose-jimenez-goiaba-folha-de-samambaia/