Family: Myrtaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Psidium myrtoides (purple cherry guava, purple guava) is a small tropical tree or large shrub native to northeastern Colombia and Brazil. It is valued for its attractive foliage, small edible fruits, and ornamental appeal. The plant produces glossy green leaves, white flowers, and round purple to dark reddish fruits that resemble small guavas. Purple cherry guava is sometimes grown in tropical and subtropical landscapes as a fruit tree, hedge, or ornamental planting due to its compact growth habit and colorful fruit.
Risks & Threats
Although Psidium myrtoides is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several traits that raise concern for tropical island ecosystems. Like other guava relatives, it may produce abundant fruit that can be spread by birds and other animals, potentially allowing it to escape cultivation and establish in natural areas. Species in the genus Psidium are often adaptable, fast-growing, and capable of forming dense thickets that compete with native vegetation. Because of these potential risks, this species could negatively impact Hawaii’s forests and watersheds if introduced more widely. When possible, Plant Pono recommends choosing low risk or native alternatives for landscaping and food production.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Grows in tropical climates
- Other Psidium species are invasive
- Shade-tolerant
- Tolerates many soil types
- Seeds dispersed by birds, frugivorous mammals and intentionally by people
- Limited ecological information may limit accuracy of risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Edible fruit
- Ornamental
