Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Myrtales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Myrtaceae
 Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Psidium L., Sp. Pl. 470 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Guava
 Description

Shrubs or trees. Lvs opposite, not obviously glandular. Fls axillary, solitary or few in dichasial cymes, often large. Hypanthium campanulate or pyriform, prolonged above ovary, splitting irregularly at or after anthesis; calyx limb 4–5-lobed. Petals 4–5, free, spreading, ± caducous. Stamens numerous, in many series, free, < petals; anthers dorsifixed. Ovary usually 4–5-celled; ovules many; style often > stamens. Fr. baccate and very fleshy, globose, ovoid or pyriform, usually with persistent calyx lobes; seeds few to many.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Psidium L.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised2
Total2
 Bibliography
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.