Arrayan pequena
Psidium salutare

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A creeping bush. It grows 20 cm high. It forms a carpet over the ground. The leaves are simple and papery. They are 2-5.3 cm long and smooth on both surfaces. The flowers are usually solitary but can be in groups of 2-3. They are white and in the axils of leaves.

There are about 150 Psidium species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally in the open savannas in Brazil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guianas, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Paraguay, South America, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The pulp of the fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Araca-do-campo, Arrayan pequeno, Guayabita del pinar

Synonyms

Calycolpus parviflorus Sagot; Eugenia guayavillo Benth.; Myrtus salutaris Kunth.; Psidium arayan (Kunth) Burret; Psidium ciliatum Benth.; Psidium gentlei Lundell; Psidium salutare var. laxum O. Berg.; and others Eugenia arayan (Kunth) Seem.;