Species
Ugni molinae
Common Name(s)
Chilean guava
Family
Myrtaceae
Flora Category
Vascular - Exotic
Structural Class
Dicotyledonous Trees & Shrubs
Habitat
Terrestrial. Thrives in low shrubland and fernland on peaty soils on the Chathams.
Features
Aromatic bushy shrub, 1-2 m high, often suckering profusely. Shoots often reddish when young, later deep brown, densely clothed in short hairs at first. Small ovate leaves shining green with reddish margins. Small pale pink flowers hang down singly or in small clusters. The globular fruit are obviously stalked and reach 14 mm diameter, becoming dark purplish red when ripe, the flesh is white and sweet.
Similar Taxa
Could be confused with native shrubs, especially those in the Myrtaceae (e.g. Neomyrtus and Lophomyrtus). Pendant flowers and fruit are distinctive.
Flowering
November, December, January, February, March, April.
Flower Colours
Red / Pink
Year Naturalised
1959
Origin
Chile
Reason For Introduction
Agricultural
Life Cycle Comments
Perennial.
Reproduction
Reproduces from fruit.
Seed
Many seeds contained in each fruit. Viability unknown.
Dispersal
Bird dispersed fruits
Tolerances
Tolerates wet soils with high acidity, tolerant of cold temps and frosts, re-sprouts after damage (incl fire).
This page last updated on 18 Jan 2010