Native & adapted
Araza
Eugenia stipitataAlso known as Arazá · Amazonian guava · Araçá-boi
A small Amazonian shrub in the guava family with very aromatic, very sour yellow fruit. Best grown in a large container with acidic soil and afternoon shade.
Before you plant
These conditions determine whether it will thrive.
Needs acidic soil, roughly pH 5 to 6.5. In Phoenix that means a raised bed or large container of acidic potting mix, regular soil sulfur and, ideally, rainwater or filtered water, since tap water is alkaline and salty.
Large container in filtered shade, moved under cover on frost nights.
Right plant, right place
Will Araza grow at your Arizona property?
Grows well in a 30-gallon or larger pot.
Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a.
Light
Sun exposure
Morning sun with afternoon shade from June through September, such as the east side of a house or under a taller nurse tree. Protect from frost on winter nights.
Water
Irrigation
High and steady; keep the soil moist.
Fruit set
Pollination
Self-fertile.
Harvest
How to use it
Too sour to eat out of hand; used for juice, sorbet, ice cream and jam.
Planting & stewardship
How to help Araza thrive
- 1
Water with low-salt water when possible.
- 2
Feed with an acid-forming fertilizer.
- 3
Shade from afternoon sun.
- 4
Protect below 32°F.