Koyya, amrud in Hindi, is guava, a small tropical American tree that has become one of India’s most common fruits. Allahabad Safeda and Lucknow 49 are well-known varieties. Guava is one of the richest common sources of vitamin C, and its leaves are used in folk practice for diarrhoea. Its smooth, peeling, coppery bark makes the tree easy to recognise.
- Botanical name
- Psidium guajava L.
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Tamil
- Koyya
- Hindi
- Amrud
- Sanskrit
- Perukah
- Parts used
- Fruit, Leaves in lists
- Habit
- Small myrtle tree with seedy, vitamin-rich fruit
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Koyya
It is a small, spreading tree with smooth bark that peels in thin, coppery flakes.
The leaves are opposite, oval and leathery, with prominent, parallel veins and a fragrance when crushed.
White flowers with a puff of many stamens grow singly or in small groups.
The fruit is round to pear-shaped, green to yellow, with white or pink flesh and many small, hard seeds.
Ripe fruit has a strong, sweet, musky smell.
Traditional use of Koyya
Kitchen
Guava is eaten fresh with salt and chilli and made into jelly, cheese and juice.
Indian food practice
Folk use
Young guava leaves are boiled into a tea for diarrhoea.
Indian and Latin American folk practice
Household
Twigs and leaves are chewed to freshen the mouth.
Indian village practice
Modern notes on Koyya
A single guava can contain more vitamin C than an orange.
Small trials suggest guava leaf extract can shorten some kinds of diarrhoea.
Fruit flies are the main pest, often leaving maggots inside ripe fruit.
Koyya safety
Guava is a safe fruit. Cut it open before eating to check for fruit fly larvae, and seek care for diarrhoea that is severe or lasts more than a day or two.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native to Central and South America.
Bees pollinate its flowers.
Birds spread its seeds, and it is invasive on some tropical islands.
Related plants
Also in Myrtaceae
Questions about Koyya
Is guava high in vitamin C?
Yes, very.
Can guava leaves help diarrhoea?
Small trials suggest some benefit.
Why is the bark coppery?
It peels in thin flakes.
Are the seeds of Koyya edible?
Yes, though hard.
Where is guava from?
Tropical America.
Sources
- Psidium guajava L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q166843 (Psidium guajava)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.