Question of the Week – Pineapple Guava

This week, the question was: What is this that was found growing on a bush in Charleston this past week?

This is a pineapple guava. Pineapple guava is an incredibly tasty fruit that comes from an evergreen shrub, native to South America. The shrub grows well along the coast and is a great choice as an edible landscape plant. Gardeners in the Midlands and upstate could get away with growing this plant if it is in a protected spot. They have beautiful flowers, so beautiful that Georgia O’Keefe featured them in one of her paintings. Although I have never tried them, the flowers are edible and apparently taste like marshmallows. To learn more about pineapple guava, check out this article.

This week’s question is from Zack Snipes, Coastal Fruit and Vegetable Extension Agent.