Langgir: A Rare Forest Jewel from Borneo Now in Your Garden
Botanical Name: Xanthophyllum amoenum Common Name: Langgir (also known locally as Langgi or Langgai in some regions of Southeast Asia)
✦ Introduction
Tucked away in the deep rainforests of Borneo, a unique fruit known as Langgir thrives with quiet dignity. This rare botanical treasure, Xanthophyllum amoenum, is not just a fruit—it’s a part of local life, folklore, and natural medicine. Now, through the efforts of Veliyath Gardens, this exotic gem has journeyed from the untamed wilderness to curated orchards, making it accessible to fruit enthusiasts and plant collectors in India and beyond.
✦ Local and Global Presence
Native to: Borneo (Kalimantan, Sabah, Sarawak)
Found also in parts of Malaysia and Brunei under various indigenous names
Gaining recognition among botanical gardens in Thailand and select regions of Southern India
✦ Tree Description and Growth Habit
A medium to tall rainforest tree, growing up to 35 meters in height under wild conditions
Adapts well to tropical and sub-tropical climates
Deep green leaves, cylindrical trunk, and small yellowish-white flowers
Fruit appears round with a soft, leathery skin that splits open when ripe
✦ Edible Fruit & Unique Taste
The Langgir fruit is sweet, with a creamy, custard-like pulp
Its flavor is often compared to a mild blend of banana and cream with floral undertones
A soothing mouthfeel, making it pleasant for raw consumption and gentle on digestion
Enjoyed fresh or added to tropical desserts, smoothies, or simply scooped as a fruit snack
✦ Health Benefits & Nutritional Values
Rich in natural saponins, which contribute to both internal detox and external cleansing
Acts as a mild digestive aid and boosts metabolism
Local herbalists use the skin and seeds in powdered form for skincare and hair tonics
Contains essential vitamins (A, C, and E) and natural antioxidants
Promotes skin clarity, supports immune function, and provides hydration to body tissues
✦ Cultural and Traditional Uses
Among Borneo tribes, the fruit is considered sacred and is used during fertility rites and traditional healing ceremonies
The peel is used to make soaps and shampoos due to its foaming property—proof of its rich saponin content
Dried fruits are sometimes placed in homes as natural insect repellents
Regarded as a fruit that brings harmony and health to households
✦ Culinary Additions to Daily Life
Can be added to fruit bowls, chilled desserts, or health shakes
Works beautifully with tender coconut water or infused in herbal tea
A delight for vegan and raw-diet lovers who seek natural sweetness and soft texture
✦ Cultivation and Maintenance
Requires humid, warm climates with partial shade to full sunlight
Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with organic compost
Once established, it's moderately drought-resistant and low-maintenance
Regular pruning in early years helps shape its canopy and improve airflow
Ideal for garden corners, orchard borders, or eco-restoration zones
✦ Preservation and Post-Harvest Use
Fruits are best eaten fresh within 2–3 days of harvest
The pulp can be frozen or made into preserves
Seed drying allows for future propagation
Dried peels can be used in traditional bath blends and facial packs
✦ Why Add Langgir to Your Garden?
It’s not just a fruit tree—it’s a living emblem of tropical heritage
Offers shade, fragrance, and seasonal joy
The creamy sweetness of its fruit makes it a family favorite
A rare tree that adds value, uniqueness, and biodiversity to your collection
Encourages green habits and traditional health practices
✦ A Living Encyclopedia at Veliyath Gardens
At Veliyath Gardens, we don’t just grow rare fruit trees—we preserve their stories, benefits, and botanical identities. By introducing plants like Xanthophyllum amoenum, we are pioneering a first-of-its-kind initiative that acts as an encyclopedia for exotic fruit lovers. For many customers, this is the first time they've encountered a fruit like Langgir—authentic, wild, and medicinal.
✦ Limited Availability Due to High Demand
Due to its rarity and growing popularity, Langgir plants are currently available only in limited stock. As interest surges among collectors and health-conscious gardeners, we recommend pre-booking your sapling before it vanishes from stock again.
Add the Langgir Experience to Your Life
Whether you seek a garden of uniqueness, natural health benefits, or an edible conversation piece, Langgir fits the purpose beautifully. Grown with care and explained with heart, this tree carries centuries of tradition in every leaf and fruit.
Bring home a Langgir today—from the soil of Borneo to your backyard, via Veliyath Gardens.
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Planting and Care
Requires humid, warm climates with partial shade to full sunlight
Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with organic compost
Once established, it's moderately drought-resistant and low-maintenance
Special Feature
Local herbalists use the skin and seeds in powdered form for skincare and hair tonics
Contains essential vitamins (A, C, and E) and natural antioxidants
Promotes skin clarity, supports immune function, and provides hydration to body tissues
Uses/Benefits
Fruits are best eaten fresh within 2–3 days of harvest
The pulp can be frozen or made into preserves
Seed drying allows for future propagation
Dried peels can be used in traditional bath blends and facial packs
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