Spanish guava, Lily-thorn
Catesbaea spinosa

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A spiny evergreen shrub. It grows 3-4 m tall. The leaves are broadly oval and 5 cm long. They are dark green. They grow along the upper side of the arching branches. There are small spines in the axils of the leaves. The flowers are trumpet shaped. They hang down and are 15 cm long. The fruit is yellow. It has many small seeds.

There are 16-20 Catesbaea species. They grow in the West Indies.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It does well in a seasonally moist and dry climate. It can grow in an average, sandy, well-drained soil. It needs full or part sun. It does well in coastal locations. It suits hardiness zones 9-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bahamas, Caribbean, Central America, Cuba, Greater Antilles, Pakistan, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also used for juices and jam.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Portlandia