Feijoa - Revision history

Raffi at 18:36, 14 April 2011

2011-04-14T18:36:03Z

Raffi at 21:12, 15 September 2010

2010-09-15T21:12:52Z

Raffi at 21:08, 15 September 2010

2010-09-15T21:08:25Z

Murali.lalitha at 13:50, 7 September 2010

2010-09-07T13:50:14Z

Raffi: per GRIN

2009-08-31T00:53:39Z

per GRIN

Raffi: moved SCH text into body

2009-06-19T00:42:16Z

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Pradeep at 14:03, 18 June 2009

2009-06-18T14:03:24Z

Raffi at 23:35, 17 December 2008

2008-12-17T23:35:00Z

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Raffi at 16:17, 30 March 2007

2007-03-30T16:17:49Z

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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Feijoa
| image = Feijoa_HortResearch.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = Pineapple Guava ''Feijoa sellowiana'' fruit
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Myrtales]]
| familia = [[Myrtaceae]]
| genus = ''Feijoa''
| species = '''''F. sellowiana'''''
| binomial = ''Feijoa sellowiana''
| binomial_authority = [[O. Berg]]
}}

The '''Feijoa''' ('''''Feijoa sellowiana''''', synonym ''Acca sellowiana''), also known as '''Pineapple Guava''' or '''Guavasteen''', is an [[evergreen]] [[shrub]] or small [[tree]], 1-7 m in height, originating from the highlands of southern [[Brazil]], parts of [[Colombia]], [[Uruguay]] and northern [[Argentina]].

==Description of fruit and plant==
[[Image:feijoas_on_white.jpg|thumb|left|Whole and cut feijoas.]]
The [[fruit]] matures in [[autumn]] and is green, chicken-egg-sized, and ellipsoid-shaped. It has a sweet, aromatic flavour. The flesh is juicy and is divided into a clear jelly-like seed pulp and a firmer, slightly gritty opaque flesh nearer the skin. The fruit drops when ripe, but can be picked from the tree prior to drop to prevent bruising. This plant is [[monotypic]] in its [[genus]]. Like the closely-related [[guava]], the fruit pulp has a gritty texture which is utlised in some natural cosmetic products as an exfoliant.

[[Germany|German]] [[botanist]] [[Otto Karl Berg]] named ''Feijoa'' after [[João da Silva Feijó]], a [[Brazilian]] botanist.

==Growing conditions==

It is a warm-[[temperate]] to [[subtropical]] [[plant]] that will also grow in the [[tropic]]s but requires some winter chilling to fruit. In the [[northern hemisphere]] it has been cultivated as far north as western [[Scotland]] but does not fruit every year, as winter temperatures below about -9°C will kill the flower buds. Large quantities are grown in [[New Zealand]], where the fruit is a popular garden tree and the fruit is commonly available in season.

==Consumption and uses==
The fruit is usually eaten by cutting it in half, then scooping out the pulp with a spoon. The fruits have a juicy sweet seed pulp, and slightly gritty flesh nearer the skin. The flavour is aromatic and sweet. If the utensils needed to eat it this way are not available, the feijoa can be torn or bitten in half, and the contents squeezed out and consumed. An alternative is to bite the end off and then tear the fruit in half length ways, exposing a larger surface with less curvature. The teeth can then scrape the pulp out closer to the skin, with less wastage. They can even be [[eating|eaten]] whole, with only the junction to the plant cut off. The skin is sour and can be bitter, but provides a nice balance to the sweet pulp. Still, this is a less common method. A feijoa can also be used as an interesting addition to a fruit [[smoothie]], and can be used to make feijoa wine. It is also possible to buy Feijoa [[yogurt]], fruit drinks, etc. in New Zealand.

[[Image:Feijoa cut.jpg|thumb|right|Cut overmature fruit]]
Fruit maturity is not always apparent from the outside as the fruits remain green until they are overmature or rotting. When the fruits are immature the seed pulp is white and opaque, becoming clear and jelly-like when ripe. Fruits are at their optimum maturity when the seed pulp has turned into a clear jelly with no hint of browning. Once the seed pulp and surrounding flesh start to brown, the fruit is over mature and shouldn't be eaten.

==Shipping and sale==
Feijoas can be cool-stored for approximately a month and still have a few days of shelf life at optimum eating maturity. Because of the relatively short shelf life store keepers need to be careful to replace older feijoas regularly to ensure high quality. In some countries, feijoas can also be purchased at roadside stalls, often at a lower price.

==Cultivation==
[[Image:Feijoa flower02.jpg|right|thumb|Feijoa flowers]]
Some [[grafting|grafted]] cultivars are self fertile. Most are not, and require a [[pollenizer]]. Seedlings may or may not be of usable qualit
y, and may or may not be self fertile. In [[New Zealand]], the [[pollinator]]s are medium sized birds such as the [[Silvereye]] in the cooler parts of the South Island, the [[blackbird]] or the [[Indian myna]] further North, which feed on the sweet, fleshy petals of the feijoa flower. In some areas where the species has been introduced, it has been unproductive due to lack of pollinators. <br clear = left>

==External links==
* [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/feijoa.html Fruits of Warm Climates: Feijoa]
* [http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/feijoa.html California Rare Fruit Growers: Feijoa Fruit Facts]
* [http://www.feijoa.org.nz/ New Zealand Feijoa Growers Association Inc.]

[[Category:Myrtales]]
[[Category:Trees of Argentina]]
[[Category:Trees of Brazil]]
[[Category:Trees of Uruguay]]
[[Category:Trees of Colombia]]

[[Category:Fruit]]

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 |exposure=sun, part-sun
 |water=moderate, dry
-|features=flowers, edible, fruit, foliage, drought tolerant
+|features=evergreen, flowers, edible, fruit, foliage, drought tolerant
 |flowers=red, white
 |Min Temp Num=15

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 |max_zone=10.5
 |sunset_zones=7-9, 12-31, warmer 32
-|image=Feijoa_HortResearch.jpg
+|image=Acca sellowiana 002.JPG
-|image_width=240
+|image_width=220
-|image_caption=Pineapple Guava ''Feijoa sellowiana'' fruit
+|image_caption=Pineapple Guava flower
 }}
 The '''Feijoa''' ('''''Acca sellowiana''''', synonym ''Feijoa sellowiana''), also known as '''Pineapple Guava''' or '''Guavasteen''', is an [[evergreen]] [[shrub]] or small [[tree]], 1-7 m in height, originating from the highlands of southern [[Brazil]], parts of [[Colombia]], [[Uruguay]] and northern [[Argentina]]. In more recent times Feijoa sellowiana has been renamed Acca sellowiana, but most sources still use the older name. It is a warm-[[temperate]] to [[subtropical]] [[plant]] that will also grow in the [[tropic]]s but requires some winter chilling to fruit. In the [[northern hemisphere]] it has been cultivated as far north as western [[Scotland]] but does not fruit every year, as winter temperatures below about -9°C will kill the flower buds.
@@ Line 106: / Line 106: @@
 * '''Trask''' - Originated as a bud sport of Coolidge. Medium to large, oblong fruit, up to 3-1/2 inches long and weighing 3 to 5 ounces. Rough, dark green skin. Shells thicker and grittier than Coolidge. Flavor and quality good to very good. Ripens early. Tree self-fertile, but most productive when cross-pollinated. Precocious. Ideal pollinator for Nazemetz.
 * '''Triumph''' - Selected in New Zealand from seedlings of the Choiceana cultivar. Short, oval, plump fruits., not pointed as those of Coolidge, medium to large. Skin uneven but firm. Flesh somewhat gritty but with good seed to pulp ratio. Excellent sharp flavor. Ripens to midseason. Tree upright, of medium vigor. Bears heavily if pollinated. Good pollinator for Mammoth.
 ==References==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{SPlantbox
 |familia=Myrtaceae
-|genus=Feijoa
+|genus=Acca
 |Temp Metric=°F
-|jumpin=If this plant info box on watering; zones; height; etc. is mostly empty you can click on the edit tab and fill in the blanks!
+|min_zone=8
-|image=Upload.png
+|max_zone=10.5
 |image_width=240
-}}
+|image_caption=Pineapple Guava ''Feijoa sellowiana'' fruit
 }}
 The '''Feijoa''' ('''''Acca sellowiana''''', synonym ''Feijoa sellowiana''), also known as '''Pineapple Guava''' or '''Guavasteen''', is an [[evergreen]] [[shrub]] or small [[tree]], 1-7 m in height, originating from the highlands of southern [[Brazil]], parts of [[Colombia]], [[Uruguay]] and northern [[Argentina]]. In more recent times Feijoa sellowiana has been renamed Acca sellowiana, but most sources still use the older name. It is a warm-[[temperate]] to [[subtropical]] [[plant]] that will also grow in the [[tropic]]s but requires some winter chilling to fruit. In the [[northern hemisphere]] it has been cultivated as far north as western [[Scotland]] but does not fruit every year, as winter temperatures below about -9°C will kill the flower buds.
@@ Line 131: / Line 119: @@
 * [http://www.feijoa.org.nz/ New Zealand Feijoa Growers Association Inc.]
-[[Category:Evergreen tree]]
+__NOTOC__

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:50, 7 September 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	{{SPlantbox
		+	\|familia=Myrtaceae
		+	\|genus=Feijoa
		+	\|Temp Metric=°F
		+	\|jumpin=If this plant info box on watering; zones; height; etc. is mostly empty you can click on the edit tab and fill in the blanks!
		+	\|image=Upload.png
		+	\|image_width=240
		+	}}
	{{Plantbox		{{Plantbox
	\| name = ''Feijoa''		\| name = ''Feijoa''

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 | ordo = Myrtales
 | familia = Myrtaceae
-| genus = Feijoa
+| genus = Acca
 | species = sellowiana
 }}
-The '''Feijoa''' ('''''Feijoa sellowiana''''', synonym ''Acca sellowiana''), also known as '''Pineapple Guava''' or '''Guavasteen''', is an [[evergreen]] [[shrub]] or small [[tree]], 1-7 m in height, originating from the highlands of southern [[Brazil]], parts of [[Colombia]], [[Uruguay]] and northern [[Argentina]]. In more recent times Feijoa sellowiana has been renamed Acca sellowiana, but most sources still use the older name. It is a warm-[[temperate]] to [[subtropical]] [[plant]] that will also grow in the [[tropic]]s but requires some winter chilling to fruit. In the [[northern hemisphere]] it has been cultivated as far north as western [[Scotland]] but does not fruit every year, as winter temperatures below about -9°C will kill the flower buds.
+The '''Feijoa''' ('''''Acca sellowiana''''', synonym ''Feijoa sellowiana''), also known as '''Pineapple Guava''' or '''Guavasteen''', is an [[evergreen]] [[shrub]] or small [[tree]], 1-7 m in height, originating from the highlands of southern [[Brazil]], parts of [[Colombia]], [[Uruguay]] and northern [[Argentina]]. In more recent times Feijoa sellowiana has been renamed Acca sellowiana, but most sources still use the older name. It is a warm-[[temperate]] to [[subtropical]] [[plant]] that will also grow in the [[tropic]]s but requires some winter chilling to fruit. In the [[northern hemisphere]] it has been cultivated as far north as western [[Scotland]] but does not fruit every year, as winter temperatures below about -9°C will kill the flower buds.
 Feijoas prefer cool winters and moderate summers (80° to 90° F), and are generally adapted to areas where temperatures stay above 15° F. Flower production is poor in areas with fewer than 50 hours of chilling. The flavor of the fruit is much better in cool than in warm regions. Even thought the plants are relatively hardy, sudden fall frosts can damage ripening fruit and late spring frosts can destroy blossoms. Spring frost damage is most likely in mild-winter areas, where the plants are not completely hardened off and respond to warm spells by blooming early.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Plantbox
 | name = ''Feijoa''
@@ Line 57: / Line 28: @@
 | species = sellowiana
 }}
 The '''Feijoa''' ('''''Feijoa sellowiana''''', synonym ''Acca sellowiana''), also known as '''Pineapple Guava''' or '''Guavasteen''', is an [[evergreen]] [[shrub]] or small [[tree]], 1-7 m in height, originating from the highlands of southern [[Brazil]], parts of [[Colombia]], [[Uruguay]] and northern [[Argentina]]. In more recent times Feijoa sellowiana has been renamed Acca sellowiana, but most sources still use the older name. It is a warm-[[temperate]] to [[subtropical]] [[plant]] that will also grow in the [[tropic]]s but requires some winter chilling to fruit. In the [[northern hemisphere]] it has been cultivated as far north as western [[Scotland]] but does not fruit every year, as winter temperatures below about -9°C will kill the flower buds.
@@ Line 74: / Line 44: @@
 The [[fruit]] matures in [[autumn]] and is green, chicken-egg-sized, and ellipsoid-shaped. It has a sweet, aromatic flavour. The flesh is juicy and is divided into a clear jelly-like seed pulp and a firmer, slightly gritty opaque flesh nearer the skin. The fruit drops when ripe, but can be picked from the tree prior to drop to prevent bruising. This plant is [[monotypic]] in its [[genus]]. Like the closely-related [[guava]], the fruit pulp has a gritty texture which is utlised in some natural cosmetic products  as an exfoliant.
 ==Cultivation==

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:03, 18 June 2009
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	{{Inc\|
		+	Feijoa. The Feijoa, or Pineapple Guava (Feijoa Sellowiana, Berg, family Myrtaceae) is indigenous to western Paraguay, southern Brazil, Uruguay, and parts of Argentina, where it is common in the forests, and the fruit is highly esteemed by the natives though not cultivated. It was introduced to southern Europe in 1890, and is grown along the Riviera, both in France and Italy. From the former country it was introduced to the United States about 1900, and is becoming widely planted in California. Its distribution in other countries is very limited.
		+
		+	Feijoa is of 2 species. It is the Orthostemon of Berg, not of Robert Brown. F. obovata, Berg (o. obovatus, Berg), is considered by Niedenzu to be a variety of F. Sellowiana. It is a white-tomentose shrub, with bisexual showy fls.; petals 4, spreading; stamens numerous, in many series, colored; ovary 4-celled, bearing a thickish style; pedicels 1-fld., at the ends of the branches or becoming lateral. The other species is F. Schenckiana, Kiaersk., of Brazil, described first in 1891. The genus is closely allied to psidium. but is distinguished by the albuminous seeds and stamens suberect in the bud.
		+
		+	The plant grows to an ultimate height of 15 feet. Its leaves are similar in form and appearance to those of the olive, but larger, the upper surface glossy green, and lower surface silvery gray, forming a contrast that makes the shrub effectively ornamental. This effect is much heightened by its flowers which are produced in late spring and are 11/2 inches in diameter, composed of four cupped petals, white outside and purplish crimson within, surmounted by a tuft of crimson stamens 1 inch long. The oval or oblong fruits, 2 inches in length and 1 1/2 inches in thickness, ripen in autumn and early winter. The skin is dull green, with sometimes a touch of crimson on the cheek; it incloses a layer of whitish, granular flesh, which surrounds a quantity of translucent, melting pulp, containing twenty to thirty seeds. The flavor bears a pronounced resemblance to that of the pineapple, this being enhanced by the fact that the seeds are so small that they cannot be felt in the mouth. While commonly eaten fresh, the fruit may be cooked in several ways, crystallized, or made into jam or jelly.
		+
		+	The feijoa does not seem to thrive under strictly tropical conditions, preferring a climate such as that of southern California or the Riviera, free from excessive humidity, and cool-at least part of the year. In France, the plants have passed uninjured through temperatures of 12° F. A good loam, rich in humus, is the ideal soil for the feijoa. It has been successfully grown on heavy clay, by working in a quantity of light material, but it does not do well on light or sandy soils. The situation seems to be of little importance; provided the land is well drained. While the plant is notably drought-resistant, for best results in growth and fruiting a liberal supply of water is necessary. During the dry season, irrigations should be as frequent as for citrous trees. Fertilizers must be applied with caution, or they will stimulate growth at the expense of fruit. A small quantity of bone-meal, or other fertilizer not too rich in nitrogen, may be advantageously applied each year, while well-rotted manure will supply the much-needed humus, if it is lacking in the soil. The plants should be set 15 or 18 feet apart, and require very little pruning. Seedlings usually come into bearing at three to five years; grafted or layered plants will sometimes bear the second year.
		+
		+	In some instances, seedling feijoas fruit sparingly or not at all, either through the failure of the flowers to be properly fertilized or because of unfavorable soil or surroundings. Although isolated plants are often productive, it has been suggested that the feijoa is sometimes self sterile, and two or more bushes should be planted together to permit of cross-pollination. The difficulty can probably be obviated, in a measure at least, by propagating asexually from strains of known productiveness.
		+
		+	The fruits fall when mature, and must be laid in a cool place until they are in condition for eating, which can be detected by a slight softening, and also by the odor,—a fragrance most delightful. If picked before fully mature and ready to fall, the fruits lack much of the delicate flavor of a perfectly ripened specimen. Very little care is required in packing, and the fruits can be shipped long distances without difficulty. They spoil quickly in a hot, humid atmosphere, but if stored in a cool place they can be kept for a month or more in perfect condition.
		+
		+	The shrub is attacked by a very few insects, the only one noted in either California or southern Europe being the black scale (Saissetm oleae), which rarely requires combative measures. No fungus diseases have been observed on mature plants.
		+
		+	Propagation is usually by seed, but some vegetative means must be used to perpetuate named varieties. Fruits for seed should be selected with a view to desirability in every character, as in precocity of bearing and productiveness of the parent. While the feijoa does not come absolutely true from seed, fairly good results are usually secured from selected seeds.
		+
		+	One of the best mediums for germinating the seeds is a mixture of silver-sand and well-rotted redwood sawdust. This gives an almost sterile medium, in which there is little danger of damping-off, to which fungus the young plants are very susceptible. With care in watering, however, any light porous soil, not too rich in humus, may be used. Sow the seeds in pans or flats, covering them to the depth of 1/4 inch. Germination will usually take place within three weeks. A glasshouse is not necessary, but the flats containing the seeds should be kept in a frame with lath or slat covering to provide partial shade. The seeds will retain their vitality a year or more, if kept dry. As soon as the young plants have made their second leaves they should be pricked off into 2-inch pots; after attaining a height of 4 inches they should be shifted into 3-inch pots, from which they can later on be transplanted into the open ground.
		+
		+	Cuttings can be successfully rooted under glass. They should be of young wood from the ends of branches, and about 4 inches in length. Inserted in clear sand over bottom heat they will strike roots in a month or two; without bottom heat they root very slowly. It is sometimes advised to keep them covered with bell-jars until they have formed roots.
		+
		+	Layering is used in France to perpetuate choice forms. It is somewhat tedious, but more certain than any other vegetative means of propagation. Those branches which are closest to the ground are bent down and covered with soil for the space of 3 to 6 inches. They require no care except to keep the soil fairly moist, and they will root in six months.
		+
		+	Whip-grafting and veneer-grafting are successfully practised under glass, using as stocks seedling feijoas of the diameter of a lead pencil. The cions should be of about the same diameter and of young but firm wood.
		+
		+	Several named varieties have been established, of which the most prominent are Andre and Besson.
		+
		+	F. W. Popenoe.
		+	}}
	{{Plantbox		{{Plantbox
	\| name = ''Feijoa''		\| name = ''Feijoa''