Home > Herbs > Ugni Molinae

Chilean Guava

Ugni molinae · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Chilean Guava, scientifically known as Ugni molinae, is a versatile evergreen shrub native to South America. Renowned for its aromatic, edible fruits, it offers significant antioxidant properties. Beyond its culinary appeal, this plant is valued in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits in holistic wellness practices.

Family
Myrtaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Fruit
Common names
Chilean Guava · Chilean-Guava · 1 more
Scientific synonyms
Eugenia Ugni · Myrtus Molinae · 7 more

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Murtilla
  • Myrtus ugni
  • Eugenia ugni
  • Ugni poeppigii
  • Ugni philippi
  • Ugni ugni
  • Ugni myrtus
  • ugni
  • uñi

German:

  • Chilenische Guave
  • Ugni poeppigii
  • Ugni myrtus
  • Ugni philippii
  • Ugni lanceolata
  • chilenische Guave

French:

  • Goyavier du Chili
  • Goyavier du chili
  • Goyavier Du Chili
  • Murtilla
  • goyavier du Chili

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Ugni molinae

Synonyms

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Ugni molinae, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Myrtales and the family Myrtaceae. Ultimately, it is categorized under the genus Ugni.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Myrtales WCVP
Family Myrtaceae WCVP
Genus Ugni WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning multiple continents and regions. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is widely found throughout New Zealand North. Its presence is also heavily concentrated in Southern South America, specifically across Chile Central and Chile South. Additionally, the species can be located in the southern reaches of Argentina. Finally, its range extends as far north as Great Britain in Northern Europe.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
New Zealand New Zealand North WCVP
Southern South America Argentina South WCVP
Southern South America Chile Central WCVP
Southern South America Chile South WCVP
Southern South America Juan Fernández Is. WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the Chilean guava, is highly valued for its edible fruit, which consists of small, fleshy berries that range in color from bright red to deep purple. These berries are the primary part of the plant used for medicinal and culinary purposes, often consumed fresh or processed into jams and syrups due to their high antioxidant content.
Plant Part Sources Consensus
fruit The Journal of membrane biology (and other 2 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ugni molinae has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Quercitin, polyphenols.

Chemicals reported in Ugni molinae
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Quercitin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Quercitin

  1. The Journal of membrane biology

polyphenols

  1. BioMed research international

Activities

Ugni molinae has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Consensus
Antibacterial BioMed research international (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ugni molinae has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Consensus
cancer Cancers (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Preparations

Preparations Sources Consensus
fruit extract The Journal of membrane biology (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆