The Encyclopedia of House Plants

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Acca

Family: Myrtaceae.

Acca sellowiana Burret (F. sellowiana Berg.) Common name(s): Feijoa Fruit
Acca Syn. Feijoa. Genus of 2-3 species of evergreen, opposite-leaved shrubs occuring in dry upland slopes, scrub, and open woodland in tropical South America. The pineapple guava is known for its lush purplish flowers and edible green fruit, tinged red, with guava flavor. It may produce fruit in greenhouse conditions, otherwise it makes a delightful houseplant.

A beautiful evergreen shrub that is easy to grow. Exotic-looking, white-petalled flowers with tufted, crimson centers are followed in fall by sweetly aromatic, edible fruits. Sun-loving and drought-tolerant, these evergreens aren't cold-hardy and need a sheltered sunny wall in all but the mildest climates. While fruit isn't as sweet as Guava's (Psidium), they're eaten raw or used in jelly. Flower petals are also edible. The Olive-like leaves are dark, glossy green, with white undersides. They can grow to 20 ft. tall, but are easily shaped by pruning to use as a screen, hedge, small tree or espalier plant. Autumn foliage color is bluish gray. Prune in late spring. Fruit is ripe when it starts to soften.

Acca
Growing conditions Watering and misting Propagation
Average warmth in summer - minimum 45F in winter. Brightly lit spot away from direct sunlight. Grow in soil-based potting mix. Keep compost moist at all time. Reduce watering in winter. Misting is necessary. Take stem cuttings (2-3 in. long) in autumn. Sow seed at 55-61 F (13-16 C) as soon as ripe or in early spring.

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