Description
Acca – Feijoa
Genus of 6 species of evergreen, opposite leaved shrubs found on elevated slopes, scrub, open woodlands areas of South America. Grown for its cup shape flowers on the upper axis in midsummer. In hot climates it bears guava-like fruit, which is edible. It has simple smooth edged leaves with paler undersides.
Indoors use a soil based potting mix in full sun. During growing season apply liquid balanced fertilizer monthly.
Outdoors grow in light well drained soil in full sun in sheltered site on a warm wall, and is tolerant to salt laden winds. Can be used as a dense hedge and will survive moderate frost.
Prone fungal leaf spots, root rots caused by water molds and Armillaria are found in poorly drained sites.
Acca sallowiana – Feijoa selloviana – Pineapple Guava – Found from southern Brazil to northern Argentina, it can grow 10’ feet tall and 10’ feet wide or larger. Old shrubs may develop flaky orange-brown bark. It has leathery, 3” long, oval, glossy, gray green leaves with whitish wooly undersides. In midsummer it bears 1 ½” long red stamens and purple red petals with white edges on the undersides. Followed by 2” long green leathery skin fruit, with sweet aromatic cream flesh.
Zone 8-10
