Guavirá Johvy (Campomanesia neriiflora) – ultra-rare

Description

Discover Campomanesia neriiflora — a rare and aromatic fruit tree from the Myrtaceae family, commonly known as the white guabiroba or Guavirá Johvy. Native to the Atlantic Forest region and found in pockets of northeastern Argentina, this compact tree produces fragrant, globose fruits prized by collectors and small-scale growers. Its unique flavor and attractive white flowers make it a lovely addition to subtropical gardens and specialty orchards.

A short note on identification
These seeds were previously listed as Campomanesia aff. malifolia. After photographic review and careful comparison, we now identify them as Campomanesia neriiflora. Immature fruits are characteristically greenish-blue, maturing to a yellow-orange color when ripe. If you need formal verification for commercial labeling, consider retaining herbarium vouchers or consulting a local taxonomist.

Flavor & eating notes (personal tasting)
When fully ripe, the pulp is exquisite and aromatic — reminiscent of baked apples: warm, sweet-tart, and very pleasant. The juicy pulp is excellent fresh or processed into jams, juices, and desserts.

Important eating warning

• Do not eat the skin: the thin skin is often bitter and strongly astringent and is commonly discarded.

• Avoid chewing the seeds: seeds from Campomanesia species can be bitter or spicy and are unpleasant to taste. Serve and process the pulp, discarding skin and seeds.

Plant details

• Family: Myrtaceae

• Form: Small tree / large shrub, typically 3–8 m tall

• Leaves: Simple, alternate, glossy, entire margins

• Flowers: White and showy, with numerous stamens, appearing in clusters

• Fruits: Small to medium, globose; greenish-blue when immature, turning yellow-orange at full ripeness

Cultivation & care (quick guide)

• Climate: Subtropical to warm-temperate; frost-sensitive.

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile; avoid waterlogged sites.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade (young plants appreciate some protection).

• Water: Keep evenly moist but do not allow root waterlogging.

• Growth & fruiting: Moderate growth; plants typically begin fruiting after a few years under good conditions.

Seed germination & propagation (practical steps)

• Propagation method: By seed — best results with fresh seeds; viability declines with long storage.

• Seed preparation: Light scarification can speed germination for some seeds.

• Medium: Well-draining mix (example: 70% peat / 30% perlite or similar).

• Sowing depth: Approximately 1 cm.

• Temperature & humidity: Maintain warm conditions (≈25–28 °C) and high humidity; keep substrate consistently moist without waterlogging.

• Germination time: Typically 4–8 weeks, though variability occurs; some seeds may take longer — patience helps.

Pre-Sale & shipping
These seeds are available for pre-order now and are scheduled to ship in early February 2026. Place your pre-order to secure a batch from this correctly identified collection.

Why add Campomanesia neriiflora to your collection?

• Rare, aromatic fruit with excellent culinary potential.

• Attractive white flowers and compact growth habit.

• Distinctive immature greenish-blue fruit color.

• A unique tasting experience — pulp reminiscent of baked apples at peak ripeness.