A standout among the cold-hardy members of the Myrtaceae family, this plant combines a distinctive ornamental form with the production of unique and flavourful fruits. Guabiyu yield bountiful harvests of berry-sized fruits that feature a striking dark purple to black skin that gives them an outwwards appearance similar to a Grumichama. Underneath this thin skin is a sweet and juicy, orange pulp, similar to that of a Jaboticaba or Grape (other than the differing colour). The flavour is often compared to Citrus and Jaboticaba, exhibiting a delightful balance of sweetness and a pleasant level of acidity. The delightful combination of sweetness and sourness in these fruits not only makes them perfect for enjoying fresh, straight from the tree but also ideal for transforming into delicious preserves. Fruiting occurs from late Spring to early Summer. Guabiyu is a medium to large-sized tree indigenous to Subtropical/Temperate South America, ranging across high altitude forests from Brazil to Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. A beautiful showcase of the Myrtaceae family, the Guabiyu boasts distinctive ornamental characteristics. Its wavy, green foliage takes on a vibrant red hue during new growth, complemented by large, white flowers adorned with prominent white stamens. The plant’s height spans from 10 to 20 metres, forming a dense and rounded crown that lends itself well to public displays, such as in parks or as roadside hedges. Once mature, Guabiyu trees can briefly withstand temperatures as low as -6 degrees Celsius and demonstrate tolerance to a broad range of soil pH levels, although they tend to thrive in acidic soil. These plants flourish in Subtropical to Warm Temperate climates, and providing them with a full sun to lightly shaded location along with moderate watering will optimize their crop yield. Well-suited for coastal regions in mainland Australia. For those in cooler climates seeking to cultivate a distinctive and rare fruit, the Guabiyu proves to be an excellent cold-hardy option.
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