Psidium friedrichsthalianum

Crguava

Psidium friedrichsthalianum, commonly known as the Costa Rican guava or cas guava, is a species of guava native to Central America, particularly found in countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, and parts of Nicaragua. This tropical fruit tree is part of the Myrtaceae family, which includes other significant and economically important species such as the common guava, Psidium guajava.

Description

Psidium friedrichsthalianum is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 10 meters. It has a spreading canopy with smooth, copper-colored bark. The leaves of the Psidium friedrichsthalianum are simple, opposite, and elliptic with a glossy green appearance. The flowers are white, with numerous stamens, and are borne singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils.

The fruit of the Psidium friedrichsthalianum is a large berry, typically yellow to green in color when ripe, with a unique, sweet, and aromatic flavor. The fruits contain numerous small, hard seeds. They are consumed fresh and are also used in the preparation of jams, jellies, and juices.

Habitat and Distribution

Psidium friedrichsthalianum thrives in humid, tropical climates and is predominantly found in the understory of lowland rainforests. It is adapted to a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained, fertile soils. This species is endemic to Central America, with its distribution primarily concentrated in Costa Rica and Panama, and to a lesser extent in Nicaragua.

Cultivation and Uses

While not as widely cultivated as Psidium guajava, the Costa Rican guava is grown on a small scale for its fruits, which are appreciated for their unique taste and aroma. The tree is propagated through seeds, although germination rates can be low and seedlings slow to grow. It is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and bark.

In addition to its use as a food source, Psidium friedrichsthalianum has been studied for its potential medicinal properties. Various parts of the plant, including the leaves and fruits, have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, diabetes, and as an antimicrobial agent.

Conservation

As with many native species, Psidium friedrichsthalianum faces threats from habitat destruction and deforestation. Efforts to conserve this species are important to maintain biodiversity and protect its potential uses in food and medicine.

See Also

• Guava
• Tropical fruit
• Myrtaceae