THE GOODLY GUAVA
 Written and Compiled by
 ISABELLE S. THURSBY

 It may be difficult to tie the guava unto one's bouquet of poetic
remembrances of semi-tropical Florida, with its flashing red
hibiscus blossoms and dawn pink oleanders, but that is just where
the guava belongs. It is found here, there, everywhere. It may
be seen as an ornamental planting on the lawn of a millionaire's
estate, or again as the only shade and only fruit tree about an
humble shack.
 The guava, botanically known as Psidium guajava, is the most
important pomological fruit of the myrtaceous family, to which
itbelongs. The myrtaceous family comprises an interesting lot
of aromatic plants, with blossoms bearing many long and con-
spicuous stamens. Of the better known economic family connec-
tions are the clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. This prob-
ably accounts for the always highly-some would say obtrusively
-aromatic property of the guava. Other fruit plants of this
family are the beautiful little Surinam or Florida cherry, the
downy myrtle, and the larger growing, handsome rose-apple.
On the ornamental side of the family, there is the eucalyptus,
myrtus, callistemon, metrosideros, and melaleuca, all valuable
and dependable plants for Florida gardens.
 The guava often is referred to as Florida's substitute peach.
It is different from the northern peach, however, in that it does
not produce all of its bloom at one time, but will bloom and bear
fruit throughout the year. In productiveness it excels most other
fruit trees, having no barren years. It is most admirable as
being one of the least exacting of all the tropical fruits in cultural
requirements, growing and flourishing under a variety of con-
ditions and spreading rapidly from seed.
 The fruit of the guava may be round or elongated in shape,
with a tender, white, yellow or green skin-even when ripe. The
flesh varies from white to deep pink, yellow to salmon red; may
be sweet, refreshingly acid, or exceedingly acid; and contains
many small seed. It ranges from the size of a walnut to that of
a fine apple or pear.
 As soon as one is accustomed to its penetrating odor, the guava
is accounted one of the most delicious and fascinating of fruits,
the taste for which is acquired to an astonishing extent.