CHILEAN GUAVA
(Ugni molinae)

A plant of Chilean guava

Family: Myrtaceae

Synonyms: Eugenia ugni, Myrtus molinae, Myrtus ugnae

Other names: Ugniberry, uni, strawberry myrtle, tazziberry

Chilean guava is believed to be a native of Chile.  Though it is cultivated there for its berries, but still it is not a fruit of major commercial importance.  It has now reached many countries and is also grown in Australia and New Zealand.

Description:

An evergreen shrub 30-170 cm tall;

            Leaves opposite, oval, 1-2 cm long, 1-1.b cm broad, entire, glossy, dark green, spicy scented when crushed.

Chilean guava flowers

            Flowers drooping,  1 cm wide, petals 4-5, white to pale pink.

            Stamens short.

            Fruit a small red, white or purple berry, 1 cm in dia.

Utilization:

Fruits are edible.  They have a very aromatic flavour resembling somewhat of wild strawberries.  The fruits are also made into a jam.

            In Chile, it is used to make the popular traditional “liqueur Murtado”.

Fruits of Chilean guava

            Chilean guava leaves are also used a tea.  The ground seeds are a substitute of coffee.

Cultivation:

Chilean guava is cultivated on a small scale as a garden plant or for its fruits.  The fruits are now being promoted as more or as healthful as blueberry
So its demand is increasing.

Chilean guava liqour

            New plants are usually raised by seed though stem cuttings also form roots.  There are still no recognized varieties.