Psidium guajava L.

പേരമരം

Family : Myrtaceae

Synonym : Psidium pyriferum L.

Common Names : Peraika, Guava, Guajava

Flowering Period : March – May

Distribution : Originally from tropical America; now naturalised in the tropics

Habitat : Cultivated

Uses : Fruits edible. The dried ripe fruits are recommended as a remedy for dysentery, while the leaves and fruits are used as a cure for diarrhoea. The ripe, fresh fruit is eaten as a cure for constipation. The clear fruit juice has been recommended as a treatment for hepatitis, gonorrhoea, and diarrhoea. The oil from the seed contains bisabolene and flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Compounds in the leaves have shown antidiabetic activity. A decoction of the leaves or bark is taken externally as a lotion for skin complaints, ringworm, wounds, and ulcers. The plant has insecticidal properties.

Key Characters :

Guava is a small tree; stem smooth with pealing bark. Leaves simple, opposite. Cymes axillary, 1-3-flowered. Calyx tube, ovoid, densely hirsute; lobes 4. Petals 4, white, broadly ovate, caducous. Stamens many.  Ovary globose, many-celled; ovules numerous.  Berry globose crowned by persistent calyx lobes; seeds many, embedded in fleshy pulp.