Guayaba vs Guava: What's the Difference?
↓ Keep reading to watch this amazing video
When comparing guava vs guava, what is the difference between these two fruits? You may have eaten guava in candy form, or chances are you have eaten raw guava fruit. But how does guava compare to guava in taste, are these really two different plants?
In this article, we'll compare and contrast guayaba and guava so you can really see if they're different. We'll review a description of this tropical plant, as well as its typical uses. Finally, if you're interested in growing a guava tree for yourself, we'll give you some tips on how guava trees like to grow. let's start!
Comparing Guayaba and Guava

© AZ-Animals.com
Guayaba | guava | |
---|---|---|
plant classification | guava | guava |
describe | Reaching a height of 25 feet, it has a distinctive bark appearance that flakes off when touched. The leaves are veined, dark green, and grow opposite each other on the branches. The flowers are fragrant, usually white, and have multiple stamens. | same as guayaba |
use | The popular fruit is eaten in a variety of ways, including raw food, beverages, and more. Some medicinal uses, but few compared to its culinary uses | same as guayaba |
Origin and Growth Preferences | Native to Mexico, Central America, and Peru; needs full sun and subtropical climates to thrive. Some varieties can tolerate low temperatures for a while, but this is usually only possible with mature trees | same as guayaba |
Origin of the name | Common Spanish name for guava fruit, although it originates in an old indigenous language of South Africa | Originating sometime in the 16th century; common English name, of Hispanic origin |
Key Differences Between Guayaba and Guava

©iStock.com/NancyAyumi
There is no real difference between guayaba and guava other than where the names come from. Guayaba and guava are two names for the same plant, classified as Psidium guajava or common guava. However, the name guayaba refers to the common Spanish name for guava, which is used in many English-speaking parts of the world.
Now let's talk about the guava tree or guava tree in more detail!
Guayaba vs Guava: Classification
Given that they are indeed the same plant, guavas and guavas can be classified in the same way. Although there are nearly 100 different varieties, or cultivars, of the guava plant, the most popular guava tree is classified as Psidium guajava , or common guava. The plant is also commonly known as apple guava or yellow guava fruit.
Guayaba vs Guava: Explained

© iStock.com/AdelMBautista – AdelsFotos
There are many varieties of guava, all of which bear different types of fruit and grow to different heights. However, guava trees, or guava trees, can reach an average height of 25 feet, occasionally exceeding 30 feet in subtropical climates. The guava tree has a distinctive flaky bark that peels back to reveal the light green flesh underneath. The leaves are classically shaped, deeply veined and grown relative to each other.
Guava and guava trees bloom in spring, often with white, fragrant flowers. These flowers have multiple stamens, perfect for pollinators to find and assist in fruit production. When it comes to fruit, the guava or guava tree bears fruits that vary in size and color, depending on the variety. Some are the size of limes, while others grow larger than oranges. These fruits are usually white, pink and red, and occasionally green.
Guayaba vs. Guava: Uses

©iStock.com/Murilo Gualda
The guava, or guava fruit, is the most commonly used part of the guava tree, as the wood is not strong enough to build on. However, guava twigs and wood can be used to smoke meat and fish with delicious flavor. Guayaba or guava fruit has a great flavor and is great eaten raw or added to beverages. The guava plant has been used medicinally in the past, but today its primary use is simply as a tasty and tasty fruit!
Guayaba vs Guava: Origin and How to Grow
Guayaba and guava trees originate from the same place because they are literally the same plant. There is evidence that the guava tree originated in several key regions, namely Peru, Mexico and Central America. These subtropical trees thrive in warmer climates and prefer soil rich in nutrients and minerals. It is recommended to plant guava trees in full sun so that the flowers and fruit are at their best.
Guayaba vs Guava: Name Origin

© Smile Studio AP/Shutterstock.com
The main difference in calling this plant the guava tree or guava tree is where these names come from. For example, the common name for "guava" originated sometime in the 16th century, while guayaba originated in Spanish. In fact, guayaba may even have originated from an indigenous language, native to South Africa.
next…
- Guanabana vs. Guava: 5 Key Differences
- Guayaba vs. Guava: What's the Difference?
More from AZ Animals
featured image

© iStock.com/Murilo Gualda
about the author
august croft
I am a non-binary freelance writer working full time in Oregon. A graduate of Southern Oregon University with a BA in Theater and a major in Creative Writing, I have an interest in a variety of topics, especially the history of the Pacific Northwest. When I'm not writing personally or professionally, you can find me camping on the Oregon coast with my high school sweetheart and Chihuahua mix, or in my family's kitchen, perfecting recipes in a gleaming cast-iron skillet.
Thanks for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the 10hunting.com editorial team.
source
- Breeding Guava (Psidium guajava L.), available here: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-0-387-71201-7_3