Pineapple Guava, Feijoa               fe-HO-a sel-low-i-A-na

• Evergreen shrub or small tree, to about 20 ft (6 m) high and somewhat less in width, branches tomentose (dense matted hairs).  Leaves simple, opposite, elliptical to ovate, 3-8 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, margin entire (smooth), apex obtuse, base rounded, glossy dark green above, silvery-white tomentose below.  Flowers single, in lowest 2-4 leaf axils of current season's growth, 3-4 cm wide, 4 whitish petals with red centers, 4 sepals and numerous carmine colored stamens, yellow anthers, edible.  Fruit ovate, 5 cm long, yellow-green to blue-gray, edible, pulp juicy, greenish white, tastes likened to pineapple with spearmint overtones or somewhat pear-like; may take 4-7 months to ripen, depending upon climate.
• Sun to light shade, well drained, loamy soil.  Tolerant of drought and salt winds, used as a hedge in coastal garden in mild climates.  Habit is loose and open, rather dense if pruned.  Can withstand much pruning and training (espalier, screen, hedge, or small tree).
• Cultivars such as 'Beechwood', 'Coolidge', 'Mammoth', Nazemetz' and 'Trask' are self-fruitful, but reportedly cross-pollination will result in more fruit.  Single plants derived from seedlings or other cultivars may need cross-pollination (Sunset Western Garden Book, 2001).
• Hardy to USDA Zone 8         Native to southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.  Several cultivars available.
• Oregon State Univ. campus: northeast corner of Finely Hall (dorm) (Washington Way).