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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Thursday - April 01, 2010

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Information about non-native Feijoa sellowiana (pineapple guave)
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Does a pineapple guava thrive in Austin, zip 78735? What height does it grow and what watering is needed?

ANSWER:

The focus and expertise of the Wildflower Center is in plants native to North America.  Feijoa sellowiana (pineapple guava) is native to Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and Argentina and is not within our area of expertise.  I suggest that you Google the scientific name to find more information about the tree.  Here is something from TAMU Aggie Horticulture about this plant and there appears to be a wealth of information about the plant on the internet.
 

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