A guava is the sweet fruit of the guava tree, which grows in tropical regions of America and Asia. The Guava genus consists of about 100 small trees and shrubs in the family Myrtaceae, with the Psidium species being the most cultivated for food. The guava fruit can be eaten raw or used to flavor drinks, desserts, and sauces.
The guava is believed to have originated in an area extending from southern Mexico into Central America. Since 1526, it has been common throughout all warm areas of tropical America, the West Indies, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. It was introduced to Florida in 1847 and was brought from there to the East Indies and Guam. It is likely that it spread from those regions to Asia and Africa. It was introduced to Hawaii in the early 19th century and is now common throughout the Pacific islands.