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Acca sellowiana

Accession Count: 77
Common Name: pineapple guava
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Family Name: Myrtaceae
Botanical Name: Acca sellowiana
Synonyms:
Botanical Synonyms: Feijoa sellowiana
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics: Acca sellowiana is an evergreen perennial shrub to small tree with gray bark, and spreading branches that are tomentose and swollen at nodes (1). The leaves are simple and alternate, being dark green on top and silvery-white on the bottom, with matted hairs (2). In late spring, showy flowers appear, the inside of the petals tinged pink, while the outer petals are white (3). Bright red stamens center each inflorescence, topped with large grains of yellow pollen (1). Following are lime-green fruits about the shape and size of chicken-eggs, with waxy skin, and jelly textured seed-pulp encircled by soft, creamy flesh (4).
Compound: Acc sel
Geographic Origin: South America
Ecozone Origin: Neotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: In 1859, A. sellowiana was first described by the German botanist Otto Karl Berg, who used the name Feijoa sellowiana. This remained the accepted name until 1941, when the Feijoa genus was combined with the Acca genus to create Acca sellowiana (5). The specific epithet, sellowiana, is named for the German botanist Friedrich Sello, who collected the fruit in 1815 from Southern Brazil. Dr. Edouard Andre introduced A. sellowiana to France in 1890, and later, in 1920, the plant was introduced to New Zealand (4).
Cultivation Notes: Acca sellowiana achieves optimal growth in cool, humid climates with moderate summers. Salt winds, drought, poor soils, and frost are tolerated, but extra protection may be needed during very cold winters (6). Although drought tolerant, the best growth is achieved through consistent, deep watering (5). If given well-draining soil, consistent water, and full sun, many conditions can be tolerated, but a large fruit yield may not be possible (5). To keep fruit from quickly oxidizing, store in a cool and acidic environment until seed can be collected. 
Pollination is possible naturally, by birds and insects, but hand pollination remains the most effective method of breeding. When propagating, seed is easy to use, but not possible for certain cultivars (5).
Ethnobotany: Acca sellowiana has been cultivated in several countries for its fruit; there have been notable efforts in New Zealand to begin commercialization. Both domestic and imported fruits are a part of the market, although to no great demand (1). 
The fruit of A. sellowiana has been extensively used in cooking, although raw consumption remains the most popular. It has been made into pies, cakes, puddings, jams, jellies, cocktails, and stewed fruit dishes, and the flower petals can also be consumed (7, 1). When consumed, the fruit has medicinal properties, and can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, and prevent the growth of bacteria and cancer. Additional uses include to raise immune function, regulate blood pressure and mood, increase bone strength, and promote metabolism (7).
Height: 11 - 15 feet
Width: 11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season: Spring
Color: White
Function: Screen
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Moderate Water Use
Citations:
1. California Rare Fruit Growers. Retrieved April 26th, 2020.
3. San Marcos Growers. Retrieved April 26th, 2020.
4. Health Benefits. Retrieved April 26th, 2020.
5. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved April 26th, 2020.
6. Plants for a Future. Retrieved April 26th, 2020.
7. Useful Tropical Plants. Retrieved April 26th, 2020.
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Acca sellowiana