Akka (feijoa)
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Akka (feijoa) description
Feijoa is a crop that begins to bear fruit especially when other plants come to a dormant stage and wither away. One way or another, today there are a huge number of different varieties of feijoa that are very popular with gardeners, and we will talk about them in this very article. Among the most common varieties of feijoa, one can distinguish such as Akka Sellova, genus Akka, and the Myrtle family. It is these feijoa berries that have incredible taste and aroma characteristics, and they are perhaps the most popular among all other varieties or species. In general, in this article we will also touch upon the features of feijoa, the history of this berry, and then we will characterize these berries according to their specific features and traits.
History of feijoa as a culture
In general, the plant was discovered by the Brazilian botanist Otto Carl Berg at the end of the 19th century, and since then the plant began to spread to various countries of the world. The homeland of feijoa is the tropics, because it is there that the plant is in the most comfortable conditions for itself, and it is also there that feijoa can be found in such widespread and popular shrubs. Mostly such shrubs can be found in forests in Brazil, as well as in Northern Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Thus, we can immediately form an opinion about in what climate and in what conditions the feijoa feels as comfortable as possible.
In Europe, feijoa was first met in 1890, since it was at this time that the plant was originally introduced to France. Later, after about 10 years, the plant was brought to the territory of Russia. Now this shrub, which gives rather unusual and very attractive berries, is quite widespread on the Pacific coast, as well as in the Mediterranean, although many breeders have already achieved to create such plants and varieties that could take root without any problems on any territories and in absolutely any conditions, and at the same time give a tasty and very bountiful harvest.
Feijoa today just grows perfectly on the Black Sea coast, as well as in the surrounding areas. It is grown in the Crimea and Krasnodar Territory, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as well as in Georgia, Abkhazia and Azerbaijan, since the climate of these territories allows the plant to feel as comfortable and dignified as possible. Due to the fact that more and more varieties of feijoa are being created, it becomes possible to expand the distribution area of these beautiful berries to more northern latitudes. This, of course, is also an undoubted advantage that should be paid special attention to.
Feijoa is a shrub that is spreading and is generally evergreen. At the same time, there are such varieties of feijoa, which are a low tree, its height is about three meters, no more. A tree or shrub - in this way a plant is formed due to the fact that feijoa predominantly gives root shoots, and it is thanks to it that a neat bush or a very small tree is formed, which attracts the attention of many gardeners and gardeners precisely due to its attractive appearance and due to the fact that feijoa may not take up too much space on the site. During cultivation, the shoots can be removed, creating a very attractive and neat tree.Thus, of course, it is worth paying attention to what care methods the gardener uses in order for the feijoa to demonstrate excellent results in its growth, development and subsequent fruiting.
Even despite the fact that the feijoa is a relatively young tree, one way or another it already has particular popularity, and a sufficient opinion has already formed about it. There are also some special legends that give feijoa their own special flair. But to a greater extent, within the framework of this article, we are interested in facts and more specific information about this plant, its features, the specifics of development, cultivation. So this is exactly what we will touch on in this article. We will give more detailed characteristics of feijoa, talk about its features and characteristics, so this article will undoubtedly be useful not only for novice gardeners, but also for those who already have experience in growing such a seemingly exotic plant, but still want to receive more relevant and interesting information in order to keep abreast of all current events.
Feijoa characteristics
Feijoa is one of those plants that has a rather docile and calm character, which attracts a large number of gardeners and gardeners. It is very fond of illuminated areas, and in general can tolerate shading normally, this will not adversely affect the general condition of the plant and its fruiting. It is also worth noting that feijoa as a whole is not so whimsical to the composition of the soil - it can grow on fairly depleted and poor soils, but of course, if the gardener has the opportunity to grow a culture on fertile soils, then it will be accepted with gratitude This. Feijoa loves moisture, but at the same time it tolerates too severe droughts, it also treats heat well. Of course, it is worth taking care of the comfort of this plant, because only in this case the plant will feel as comfortable as possible, and the gardener will receive an excellent result.
If the temperature drops, then feijoa has a tendency to shed leaves, even if it was a short-term drop in temperature. If the temperature is constantly kept at a level much lower than recommended, then the leaves can be dropped completely, and in this case, you should not expect that the plant will feel quite comfortable and easy, because it will not have any protection from other temperature extremes. At the same time, the leaves are restored in the spring within one month, but before that, the plant should be very carefully looked after so that it does not become infected with any diseases, fungi, or simply does not suffer from recurrent frosts. The plant can reproduce thanks to seeds, layering or by cuttings. The method and its choice depends entirely on the desire and capabilities of the gardener himself, so in this case, gardeners and breeders do not give any specific advice. At the same time, cuttings root the worst of all, so a lot will depend on the soil, its condition, climatic conditions, and also on how the gardener himself can take care of the plant.
Feijoa trees turn out to be very dense and branched, their crown is quite spreading, it lends itself well to shaping, if this, of course, is necessary for the plant itself. When a gardener plants planting materials, it is recommended to maintain a distance of at least two meters between them. It should be borne in mind that the crown can also grow to almost three meters, so shaping and pruning are simply inevitable processes. At the same time, formative pruning can sometimes be avoided, but one way or another it should be done. It is aimed at removing diseased, dry branches from a tree or shrub, as well as those shoots that lead to thickening of the crown.Thickening is an undesirable process, since diseases can form in a too dense crown, and it is also difficult to care for a dense crown, it is almost impossible to harvest the crop itself normally. As the plant gets older, the shoots grow more slowly. As a result, one bush can have from seven to 11 skeletal branches, which are fundamental and create the overall shape of the bush. By the winter period, young plants are best tied with twine, since the branches can become very brittle, and such support will perfectly protect them from various unwanted damage. Again, it is worth paying attention to the general condition of the plant, since in each case the choice of care procedures and measures depends on the state of the plant, on the climatic conditions in which it grows, as well as on the territory in which it grows.
The trunk of the bush or feijoa tree itself has a dense branched surface, 90% of the feijoa root system is located in a layer of soil up to sixty centimeters deep, so the plant should be looked after very carefully and be careful when the gardener is weeding or loosening the soil. One wrong movement can lead to the fact that the root system will receive mechanical damage, and for this reason the plant will feel discomfort, a disease or fungus may develop, which will lead to the death of the bush or to a decrease in the quantity or quality of the crop. Feijoa leaves are oval in shape, leathery, up to six centimeters long, juicy enough, green in color. From above, the leaves are also glossy, which makes them quite decorative and attractive.
Of course, feijoa can periodically be attacked by pests. Most often these are false shields and omnivorous leaf rollers, as well as a deer, which are not at all opposed to eating such an exotic plant. Of course, diseases are also worth mentioning right there. Among them, gray rot, spotting of the leaf part, and fusarium are particularly prominent. Mostly young trees and feijoa bushes are exposed to diseases, although older ones can also be exposed, rather, if the gardener does not organize normal care activities, and the plant simply remains without additional protection. So, of course, grooming is very important for feijoa, even though this plant is not considered particularly whimsical.
Feijoa is an incredibly healthy plant, as you can eat not only fruits, but also make decoctions from the leaves. It has an antiseptic and disinfecting effect, which helps a person to recover the affected skin much faster than if he used standard and available means. Also, the broth is actively used in the dental field, and this is not at all surprising, since it has a really huge number of useful properties and characteristics. Bark extract is used to improve the function and function of the cardiovascular system. In addition, in general, feijoa does not cause any allergic reactions, so these fruits can be useful for both children and adults, and those who, in general, may be subject to reactions from the body.
Feijoa blooms in the north around May or June. But in the south, feijoa blooms in November-December. In the tropics, flowering generally has a remontant, that is, a continuous property, which of course looks incredibly attractive. But, one way or another, abundant flowering does not at all mean that the gardener will receive a bountiful harvest, since the ovary coefficient is only about 13-17%, but the rest of the ovaries may appear, but then they will fall off very quickly, which, of course, sometimes can spoil the impression of this plant.One way or another, the mass flowering of feijoa lasts from three to four weeks, but if certain conditions are created, or the climate allows, then flowering in general can last for 60 days, and sometimes this is not the limit at all. But, again, as we have already said, abundant flowering is not at all a guarantee that all the ovaries will give the same long-awaited harvest of feijoa, so you should be prepared for the fact that no more than 13-17% of all flowering and ovaries will remain feijoa fruit.
Feijoa shrubs and trees are adorned with incredibly attractive buds, which then blossom into flowers. Their diameter is almost four centimeters, the leaves are oval and very fleshy. They have a snow-white color on the outside, but on the inside they are painted in a dark pink shade. Cherry-colored stamens, inside the flower you can find them in a whole bunch. Flowers can be single or paired. Also, sometimes they are collected in a whole inflorescence. Due to this, the feijoa bush also has unsurpassed decorative properties, for which it is also very much appreciated by a variety of gardeners and gardeners who seek to grow on the site not only familiar plants, but also attractive exotic plantings. This is a monoecious plant that is undesirable to transplant from place to place, otherwise the feijoa may stop bearing fruit, or fruiting, its overall quality will noticeably deteriorate. Feijoa flowers are bisexual, but at the same time they are sterile, so not all feijoa varieties can be self-pollinated, there are only a few feijoa varieties that do not need additional pollination at all, so they are self-pollinated and do an excellent job with this function. Among these varieties are Andre, Coolidge, Superba, Nikitskaya (3, 42), Aromatnaya and Crimean feijoa. It is their experienced gardeners who recommend growing at home, as they get used to them remarkably, adapt and give decent and abundant fruiting. In all other cases, the varieties require special care for themselves, and also, in general, may exhibit some varietal characteristics, require additional cross-pollination.
As we have already noted, feijoa, due to its long and abundant flowering, has a very decorative appearance. It is for this reason that this bush is also popular with landscape designers, who at the same time use the bush rather as an element of decor, as part of a composition, but fruiting for them is just an additional, albeit very pleasant bonus. In this case, of course, it is worth taking care of the choice of the variety, because not all bushes can take root with other shrubs or flowers, since they also have their own characteristics and varietal traits, which in no case should be forgotten.
After abundant flowering, the petals from the feijoa fall off. But do not rush to get rid of them, as they have incredibly attractive taste properties. First of all, they have an apple flavor and aroma, they can be added to cooked salads, and sometimes these same petals are simply fried in deep-frying oil, making a kind of chips. The petals can also be dried, then added to drinks and teas to give them an extra and incredibly attractive aroma. Oddly enough, but such multifunctionalism makes feijoa even more popular and demanded plant, so in no case should you ignore its features, as well as the features of its different parts - not only fruits, but also flowers, leaves.
Feijoa fruiting begins about the sixth year after the bush was planted in open ground. If the tree was grafted or grown using a layering, then fruiting begins much earlier - in the third or fourth year after placing the layering in open ground. A fairly bountiful harvest can be harvested from each tree, sometimes it reaches thirty, or even forty kilograms.If the feijoa bush grows only at home, then, of course, its yield is many times lower and is only three kilograms. Nevertheless, gardeners are very proud that they managed to grow even such a crop of these exotic plants at home, so for them this is a subject of their own pride and an indicator of achievement.
Feijoa is a large berry with a green color. They are covered with a waxy bloom, which can be removed with water and rubbing the berries. The color of the skin of the fruit can change depending on the variety - it can be red or yellow fruits, and sometimes purple fruits grow. Depending on the feijoa variety, the rind may be smooth or slightly bumpy. It is thin, sometimes slightly knitting when tasted. At the same time, the berries themselves contain a huge amount of nutrients, vitamins and trace elements, which makes feijoa an incredibly useful product. In addition, feijoa contains a large amount of antioxidants, which also makes these berries very useful for people of absolutely any age - they are useful for both children and adults. Thanks to feijoa, you can maintain immunity, reduce a person's stress resistance, strengthen his nervous system, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. In general, feijoa has excellent taste characteristics, so it is very beneficial to human health. It does not cause allergic reactions, but it is still worth knowing when to stop using feijoa.
The color of the pulp depends entirely on the degree of ripening of the fruit. If the berries have not yet had time to fully ripen, then they may have milky pulp, but when the feijoa ripens to the end, its pulp becomes translucent, very attractive and looks more like a very tasty jelly. The number of seeds inside the fruit also depends on which variety this plant belongs to. But still, do not forget that the most important advantage and kind of advantage of feijoa berries is that they have an amazing and unique taste. Some say that feijoa tastes more like pineapple or peach, someone refers to notes of strawberry or melon. But, one way or another, still few people can unequivocally say what taste feijoa has, so, in principle, for everyone there will be their own features and characteristics, for which a person will just fall in love with these berries. Feijoa also has a very fresh aroma, and it turned out due to the fact that the fruits include essential oil, consisting of 93 components. The oil has antidepressant properties, helps to get rid of chronic fatigue syndrome. In general, those people who have tried feijoa emphasize that their mood has improved markedly, and that, in general, these berries can be consumed in large quantities, as they do not get bored.
Feijoa - the fruits are quite dietary, since their calorie content is only 49 kilocalories for which grams. At the same time, all the necessary elements will be contained in the feijoa - balanced proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The fruits have a high content of sucrose, ascorbic acid, pectins and fiber, so this is an excellent option for those who are currently on a diet and do not mind eating fresh and very tasty feijoa fruits. Pectin removes toxins and toxins from the human body, perfectly cleanses the body of all harmful microelements, so that feijoa truly acts as an incredibly useful product. Thanks to fiber, proper digestion is adjusted, so that in general this product is useful for many abnormalities in the body: feijoa restores and cleanses it.
Plant varieties
Of course, having listed all the useful properties of feijoa, I would like to draw attention to varietal characteristics.The very first and, at the very beginning, the only variety of feijoa was the variety called Andre. The variety was bred in France, but gradually spread to different parts of the world, since many wanted to start this curiosity on their site, and they did not lose at all. Gradually, this variety became the progenitor of many other feijoa varieties - Cheiseana, Coolidge and Superba. The Andre variety predominantly spread along the Mediterranean coast, as well as in California, since it was there that the most favorable climatic conditions developed. We will present several comparative characteristics so that the reader of this article has a more correct opinion about this plant and about its most diverse varieties.
- André is the first feijoa variety that was bred in the world. The size of the berries varies from medium to large, their shape is oblong, oval, quite typical for those feijoa berries that we find today in the plots or in the markets. At the same time, the peel of the fruit is rather thick and knobby. The fragrant juicy pulp attracts gardeners, and another plus is the very pleasant taste of the pulp and almost no seeds inside them. The yield is not the most plentiful, the variety is self-pollinated and was originally bred in Brazil, and then gradually moved around the world, because almost every gardener showed a desire to feel the taste characteristics of feijoa.
- Feijoa variety called Coolidge. The size of the fruits is quite large when compared with the first variety we described. In this case, the shape is elongated, pear-shaped, and the skin of the fruit is smooth. The aroma is not particularly pronounced, the pulp is light, almost milky, even when the fruits finally arrived. The taste is very sweet, the pulp gives off pineapple notes. At the same time, the yield is quite stable and regular, which is also an undoubted advantage of this variety of feijoa fruits. The cultivar was bred in California, where it actually spread very widely. At the same time, it belongs to the self-pollinated category, which means that feijoa bushes do not require additional plantings in order for pollination to occur, and the fruits to set.
- Chaiseana is the third feijoa variety that we will consider in this article. The size of the fruit varies from medium to large, their shape is more rounded, and the skin is smooth and very shiny. The aroma is very pleasant and pronounced, the taste is very delicate, there is no pronounced sourness or sweetness, it is very balanced, there are not so many seeds, and there are practically no stony bodies, which can sometimes very strongly influence the taste and overall impression of the variety.
- Superba is a variety that produces very large fruits, the weight of which varies from 60 to 80 grams. The shape can be either slightly round or pear-shaped. The pulp is fragrant without stony bodies, which makes it even more tender. In addition, it is worth noting that this variety was also bred by Californian breeders, is distinguished by self-pollination, so in general it can be said that other neighboring plantings can not be done, since the fruits will set independently. In rare cases, you can plant a feijoa with similar characteristics, then you can increase the level of fruiting, and make it more abundant and of high quality.
- Besson is a fairly small fruit, or sometimes the fruit is medium in size. Their shape is oval, very pleasant, and the color of the skin can be either dark green or slightly reddish, it all depends on the degree of ripeness of the feijoa. The peel of the fruit is very thin and can be easily removed. The pulp is very light, there are a lot of seeds inside the fruit, so you have to take a little care to completely pull them out of the fruit and enjoy the fragrant and very tasty pulp of the berries.This variety is widespread mainly in South India, although in general, the variety is often cultivated on the territory of other states, since today modern breeding work does not stand still at all, and you can grow such fruits that will be adapted to different climatic and temperature conditions.
We also highlight such varieties as David, Mammoth, Magnifica, Robert, Nikitsky aromatic variety, Light, Nikitsky bumpy, Pervenets, Crimean early, Apollo, Jeremy and Triumph. All these varieties differ from each other in a variety of ways, and of course, the gardener today has much more opportunities to choose exactly the variety that will meet his needs in fruiting, the quantity and quality of fruits, in the stability and regularity of fruiting. In general, excellent results can be achieved even if you do not take great care of the plant, although at the very initial stages - the choice of a place for planting, the very procedure for planting feijoa can take a fair amount of time. But still, many gardeners are inclined to believe that it is really worth it, and that the plant as a whole gives an excellent harvest, if at least periodically water it, loosen the soil, and remove weeds.