P. cattleyanum occurs primarily in mesic
tropical rainforest environments Its native range is restricted to the Amazonian Basin in Brazil, but it has established in many other tropical areas of similar characteristics.
P. cattleyanum is prevalent in both undisturbed Additionally,
P. cattleyanum is both very shade-tolerant It is also capable of withstanding heavy
leaf litter and responding to bending or breaking of its branches by generating vigorous shoots.
As an invasive species Native to
Brazil—where it is known as
araçá—and adjacent tropical South America,
P. cattleyanum is closely related to
common guava (
P. guajava). Like that species, it is a widespread, highly invasive species in tropical areas throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. where it poses a significant threat to the endemic forests. It has also spread to the
Azores, though it is not as invasive there. It is sporadically
naturalised in coastal areas of Queensland and northern New South Wales. It is also naturalised on Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island and Christmas Island (Navie 2004; Queensland Herbarium 2008). The species is able to propagate quickly due to the spread of its fruit and seeds, which is facilitated by birds and
feral pigs, It tends to form dense, monotypic thickets that block sunlight and prevent the growth of native species, and is very difficult to eradicate. It also provides refuge for fruit flies, which cause extensive agricultural damage.
P. cattleyanum grows effectively in undisturbed areas, However, continued follow-up management is necessary indefinitely after a period of high-intensity restoration. and
Hawaii. However, some insects cannot be used due to the potential for certain species to attack more than
P. cattleyanum. Once such species, the
sawfly (
Haplostegus epimelas), attacked commercially produced guava plants in addition to invasive
P. cattleyanum. ==Uses==