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Alien Invader Plants
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CATEGORY: 2 CONTROL:
Very difficult. Regenerates vigorously from roots. DESCRIPTION: A number of forms occur in KZN (The fruit size differs). An evergreen shrub or tree up to 8 m tall, it has smooth stems with scaly bark in patches; oval to oblong-shaped opposite leaves on longish stalks with prominent veins and fine hairs on the under-surface; white flowers single or in groups of 2 or 3; round, egg or pear-shaped fruits pale yellow when ripe with pink flesh and a strong smell. Flowering time: October to December. ORIGIN: Originates from Mexico to northern South America and is cultivated throughout the tropics and sub-tropics for its fruit. WHERE FOUND/PROBLEMS CAUSED: One of the most widespread and invasive plants along the KZN coastal belt. Occurs in open veld, bushveld and indigenous forests. Fruit is eaten by a wide range of birds and animals (including man) which helps disperse the seed. Grows rapidly and is extremely difficult and expensive to control once established. Is a host for fruit flies and wild stands of guavas can act as a source of infestation of fruit flies to other fruit in nearby orchards. May affect dispersal of indigenous species by attracting birds and changing their feeding habits. DID YOU KNOW: This fruit is used for making preserves, jams, relish and chutneys. Its juice is used for making fruit drinks and punch. Although a proposed declared invader, it will probably not be declared a weed because of the value of the fruit. Also a problem, Psidium cattleianum (Strawberry guava, Chinese guava) - red fruits.
This page was last edited on 23 April, 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
