A large group of tropical and subtropical evergreen trees or shrubs with about 100 species in America. Several species, including P. Guajava, are cultivated for their edible fruits. The common Guava is a shrub or small tree to 30 feet tall with flaky or scaly, greenish-brown bark that is common in tropical forests, especially the drier ones. (Photosynthetic!) Fruit varies in size (generally 1-4 inches in diameter), shape (usually globose), color (commonly yellowish to deep pink) and flavor (somewhat sweet or acid) and has a pronounced musky odor. The juice is used for ices or punch, but the greatest commercial use of Guava fruits is for jelly.