Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret. syn. Feijoa sellowiana Pineapple Guava This evergreen shrub is a native of South America. It has dark green leaves, with white felt on the underside, and solitary flowers, 4cm (1½in) across, with bosses of conspicuous red stamens, in summer. The red-tinged, green, egg-shaped fruit, 5cm (2in) long, is edible, and has a pleasant aroma. There are several cultivars available commercially, including ‘Variegata’, with its leaves edged creamy white, and ‘Mammoth’, which has larger fruits.
Cultivation Does best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil, with protection from cold drying winds. Good for coastal areas, as it will tolerate salt-laden winds. Makes a dense hedge if clipped.
Height to 3m (10ft); spread to 2m (6½ft). USZ 8–11, surviving -12°C (10°F) of frost when dormant. Tolerant of summer drought.