Acca sellowiana

DESCRIPTION OF ACCA SELLOWIANA

The Feijoa is an evergreen shrub that can reach a height of around 3–4 metres. It is highly sought after as an ornamental plant, both for its attractive grey-green foliage and its distinctive white and pink flowers. In late spring, Acca sellowiana produces many clusters of striking white flowers with fleshy petals, long coral-red stamens and yellow anthers.

The white petals of the Feijoa sellowiana flower are edible and have a distinctive sweet flavour. They can be used to enhance fruit salads or even salads if you enjoy contrasting flavours.

CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES OF FEIJOA FRUIT

For a long time considered “merely” an exotic ornamental plant, the Feijoa has now gained recognition as a fruit plant.

Acca sellowiana produces small fruits that resemble chicken eggs in both shape and size. These fruits have a fairly firm green skin enclosing white, jelly-like pulp filled with small seeds that do not interfere with eating.

The Feijoa fruits have a sweet and slightly tart flavour, often described as a blend of pineapple and strawberry. The easiest way to eat Feijoa fruit is to cut it in half and scoop out the pulp with a teaspoon, but it can also be used to make fruit salads or jams.

Feijoa fruits ripen in autumn and are fully ripe when they fall spontaneously from the tree. They are rich in health benefits: they are very low in calories as they are 80% water, they are high in fibre and contain plenty of vitamin B9 (the well-known folic acid that is essential for pregnant women). They also help lower cholesterol thanks to their omega-3 content and are recommended for preventing thyroid conditions: Feijoa fruits are high in iodine, which is extremely useful for combating “goitre” caused by a deficiency of this mineral in people with thyroid problems.

GROWING AND MAINTAINING FEIJOA

The Feijoa sellowiana can be grown in the ground or in pots. It prefers partial shade, provided it receives at least a few hours of sunlight. Although it is native to very warm climates, it can also tolerate fairly low temperatures.

Acca sellowiana prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate waterlogging. It is a hardy, low-maintenance plant, but it may be a good idea to give it some extra watering during the flowering and fruiting periods, especially if you live in a particularly dry area.

Pruning should be kept to the bare minimum during the first few years of the Feijoa plant's life: it is a very slow-growing plant that needs time to develop its structure.

For optimal results, Acca sellowiana plants should be spaced about 5 metres apart. This plant has proven to thrive in southern Italy, Tuscany and Liguria. More generally, we can say that areas where olive trees grow vigorously are very likely also suitable for growing Feijoa.