Notes on the Genus Psidium L. (Myrtaceae) in Java, Indonesia

Psidium is a genus of plants that is found in the neotropical region and belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Currently, there are 92 identified species in this genus. Earlier botanists documented that the genus in Java, Indonesia, is comprised solely of two species – specifically P. guajava L. and P. guineense Sw. However, during our 2023 botanical study, we discovered another Psidium species – P. cattleyanum Sabine – from West and East Java. It was first introduced to the island as a living specimen at the Bogor Botanic Gardens, Bogor, Indonesia, in 1972. Since then, the species has been intentionally planted for ornamental purposes by the Sundanese community. Psidium cattleyanum differs morphologically from other Psidium species in Java. It has coriaceous leaves with inconspicuous lateral veins, and its ripe fruit is red. Our findings increase the number of Psidium species in Java to three. Description, photographs, an updated key, and a brief discussion are given.