FEIJOA SELLOWIANA (FECOIA)

Belonging to the Myrtaceae family, Feijoa sellowiana is an evergreen shrub of
South American origin (southern Brazil, Uruguay, northern Argentina), known both
for its ornamental interest and for the production of edible fruits. The plant has a
rounded and tidy habit, with medium growth and a naturally branched structure.
The leaves are opposite, oval, leathery, with a dull green upper surface and a
silvery-grey lower surface, tomentose, which gives the plant an elegant
chromatic contrast. In late spring, it produces very decorative flowers, with four white petals
pink inside and long red stamens, ornamental and nectariferous, which attract
pollinating insects. The fruits, similar to small guavas, are ovoid, greyish-green in color, and
ripen in autumn. The pulp is scented, aromatic, with a complex flavor that recalls
a mix of pineapple, mint and strawberry.
Regular fruiting is favored by mild winters and not excessively rainy springs. It prefers sunny positions and well-drained soils, even if they are generally sandy or poor. It tolerates drought once it has established itself and also adapts to coastal contexts thanks to its good resistance to salinity. It accepts pruning well, useful for containing its growth or for forming productive hedges.

It is used both for ornamental purposes, in Mediterranean or low-maintenance gardens,
and as a fruit plant for small family orchards, vegetable gardens and productive hedges.
It can also be grown in large pots for terraces and sunny spaces.