Feijoa or pineapple guava is widely grown as a small ornamental tree, for its fruit and as an informal hedge. Acca sellowiana is distinguished by its beautiful and delicate flowers, which are edible and have spicy-sweet tasting petals. It is also ideal for growing in pots to decorate patios, terraces and other paved outdoor areas. It grows to a height of 2-5 metres, but can be easily managed as a small tree, although it is more like a shrub until mature. It usually has a multi-branched trunk with grey bark. The leaves are leathery with an attractive silver underside and can form a dense canopy that provides pleasant shade.

The fruits ripen in autumn and are green, ellipsoidal and about the size of a large chicken egg. The flesh is juicy with a sweet, aromatic flavour, and the pulp is similar to that of the closely related guava, hence the English name pineapple guava. Feijoas are moderately tolerant of drought and saline soils, although like any fruit tree, fruit production can be adversely affected if grown in harsh conditions. Regular watering is essential during ripening. They tolerate partial shade and can withstand frost down to -9°C.