About Rhodomyrtus psidioides (G.Don) Benth.
Rhodomyrtus psidioides, commonly called native guava, is a shrub or small rainforest tree that belongs to the botanical family Myrtaceae. It is native to eastern Australia, and grows up to 12 meters (39 feet) in height. Its leaves are shaped ovate to elliptic or oblong, measuring 5 to 25 centimeters (2 to 10 inches) long and 2.5 to 6.5 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) wide. The upper surface of the leaves is glossy, while the lower surface is paler. Leaves have numerous oil glands, give off a pineapple-like fragrance and feel sticky when crushed. White or pink flowers grow in raceme-like inflorescences. After flowering, it produces fleshy yellow berries that measure 15 to 25 millimeters (0.59 to 0.98 inches) long and 10 to 15 millimeters (0.39 to 0.59 inches) wide. The berries of native guava are edible, with a pleasant aromatic flavor. The tree is fast-growing, and plays an important successional role in rainforest regeneration.
