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The guavas of the Hawaiian Islands 
VAUGHAN MACCAUGHEY 
The guavas comprise a valuable and widely distributed genus 
(Psidium L.) of tropical and subtropical fruit trees and shrubs. 
They are indigenous to America, but numerous species are now 
thoroughly established in many of the warmer parts of Africa, 
Asia, Oceanica, and other regions. There are about 150 known 
species, and presumably a large number of forms in South and 
Central America that are still undescribed. . 
Seven or more species and forms have been established in the 
Hawaiian Archipelago since early times and now constitute an 
important element in the lowland flora. The Hawaiian Islands 
were discovered by the Spanish in 1555, over two hundred years 
before the discovery by the great English circumnavigator, Captain 
Cook. Although historical data concerning these two centuries 
is very scanty, there is little doubt but that the Spaniards visited 
the islands repeatedly, and accidentally or purposely introduced 
various Mexican, Central American, and West Indian plants. 
The common guava in its several forms was introduced either 
during this period or within a relatively short time after the 
discovery by Cook. It was spread rapidly from island to island 
and locality to locality and has now become a dominant woody 
weed in many lowland, valley, and foothill regions. It possesses 
all the attributes essential for aggression—great hardihood with 
reference to untoward conditions; rapid growth; deep roots; 
ability to thrive on scanty water supply; power of flourishing on 
tough, rocky ground; production of sturdy root-sprouts in great 
numbers; prolific and almost continuous fruit production, with vast 
numbers of viable seeds; resistance to insect and fungus pests; 
notable powers of dissemination. .- 
The fruits of all the species are attractive to’ animals, and the 
seeds of the wild guavas are widely scattered throughout the 
islands, both on the lowlands and in the mountains, by means 
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