Campomanesia viatoris – The Rare Landrum Fruit Plant of Bahia

Among the exotic members of the Myrtaceae family, the Campomanesia viatoris, commonly known as Landrum, stands out for its rarity, fragrance, and delectable fruits. Native to the biodiverse UNO Ecopark of Bahia, Brazil, this tropical treasure is now available for plant lovers who wish to cultivate something truly unique in their gardens. With its large, aromatic flowers and sweet golden fruits, the Landrum tree offers both ornamental beauty and nutritional rewards.

At Veliyath Gardens, we are delighted to bring this rare fruit plant into our collection, ensuring that enthusiasts of exotic fruits can experience its charm and benefits.

 Botanical Profile

• Botanical Name: Campomanesia viatoris

• Common Name: Landrum

• Family: Myrtaceae

• Origin: Bahia, Brazil (UNO Ecopark region)

• Tree Height: Grows up to 10 meters tall

• Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3–4 years after planting

• Maintenance Level: Moderate

 Tree and Fruit Characteristics

The Landrum tree grows upright with typical Campomanesia foliage—bright green, glossy leaves that stay fresh-looking year-round. Its flowers are larger than those of most Campomanesia species, with an intense fragrance that attracts pollinators, enhancing the natural beauty of any fruit garden.

The yellow fruits are small but carry a pleasant fragrance and rich sweetness. Their juicy pulp surrounds a few small seeds, making them easy to enjoy fresh. Like other Campomanesia fruits, they embody a delightful balance of tropical charm and nutritional richness.

 Nutritional Content & Health Benefits

Though rare and less widely studied compared to guava or jaboticaba, fruits of the Campomanesia family are traditionally valued for their vitamin-rich content and healing properties.

• Rich in Vitamin C – boosts immunity, supports skin health, and helps in wound healing.

• Dietary Fiber – aids digestion and maintains gut health.

• Antioxidants – combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

• Essential Minerals – provide natural support for bone and heart health.

• Low-Calorie Snack – ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

These benefits make Landrum not just a delicacy but also a functional fruit that contributes to a wholesome lifestyle.

 Culinary Uses

The sweet and fragrant pulp of Landrum fruits can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

• Fresh Eating: Directly from the tree, much like small tropical plums.

• Juices & Smoothies: Its sweetness and fragrance add a refreshing twist to beverages.

• Jams & Jellies: Perfect for making spreads with a tropical aroma.

• Desserts: Enhances cakes, tarts, and fruit salads with its exotic flavor.

• Traditional Use in Brazil: Often enjoyed fresh during harvest seasons as a family delicacy.

 Traditional & Cultural Importance

In Brazil, Campomanesia species hold an important place in local communities. Known for their fragrant flowers and medicinal fruits, they are often grown near homes and parks, admired for both shade and seasonal harvests. The Landrum variety, being rare, is particularly prized in the Bahia region for its unique taste and ornamental appeal. Growing this plant in your garden is not just about fruit—it’s about nurturing a piece of Brazilian botanical heritage.

 Cultivation & Maintenance

The Landrum fruit plant is moderately easy to maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.

• Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with organic matter.

• Watering: Regular, especially in dry months; avoid waterlogging.

• Light Requirement: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.

• Pruning: Occasional pruning keeps the tree in shape and encourages better fruiting.

• Fruiting Time: Begins bearing fruit in just 3–4 years, rewarding early patience.

 Why Add Landrum to Your Garden?

• A rare and exotic fruit tree not easily found outside Brazil.

• Combines ornamental value with nutritional benefits.

• Produces fragrant flowers that attract pollinators.

• Fruits are sweet, fragrant, and versatile for fresh and culinary use.

• Perfect for collectors, plant lovers, and those who value unique biodiversity.

Conclusion

The Campomanesia viatoris (Landrum Fruit Plant) is more than a tree—it is a celebration of nature’s fragrance, flavor, and heritage. With its large scented flowers, golden sweet fruits, and manageable care needs, it deserves a special place in any exotic fruit garden.

Now available at Veliyath Gardens, this rare fruiting beauty offers you the opportunity to enrich your orchard with something extraordinary. Plant Landrum today and let your garden bloom with the fragrance and sweetness of Bahia’s hidden treasure.