Yes, guava is generally considered a true fruit. While some sources incorrectly label it as a false fruit (pseudocarp), this is inaccurate. A true fruit develops from the ovary of a flowering plant, and the guava's fleshy part originates from the fertilized ovary.
Understanding the Confusion
The conflicting information arises from the specific botanical definition of fruit types and the guava's unique structure. The edible portion includes the fleshy receptacle of the flower in addition to the ovary, leading to some confusion. However, the essential element—the development from the fertilized ovary—remains true.
Several sources incorrectly classify guava as a false fruit; however, the overwhelming scientific consensus confirms its status as a true fruit. The confusion might stem from the inclusion of the flower receptacle in the edible pulp, a characteristic sometimes associated with false fruits. However, the presence of the developed ovary, crucial for a true fruit's definition, overrides this.
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Supporting Evidence: Many reputable sources classify guava as a true fruit. For example, Byju's explicitly states that guava is "a straightforward, succulent true fruit with an edible..." part originating from the fertilized ovary.
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Countering Misconceptions: Claims labeling guava as a false fruit stem from a misunderstanding or oversimplification of botanical fruit classifications. The presence of additional fleshy tissue beyond the ovary does not automatically disqualify a fruit from being considered a true fruit.
Guava Propagation and Fruit Quality
While guava seeds can be used for propagation, they don't reliably produce plants identical to the parent plant. This means that fruit from seedling guava trees may vary in quality compared to those from grafted cultivars. This characteristic of inconsistent offspring from seed does not, however, affect the classification of the guava fruit itself.
