Campomanesia hirsuta

Campomanesia hirsuta, often referred to as the giant guabirobeira, is an exceptionally rare and endangered species native to the Serra dos Órgãos in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It bears the largest fruits of any known Campomanesia—over 8 cm in diameter—with a rounded, strongly flattened shape and a deeply grooved surface. The fruit’s thin skin covers a firm, juicy, aromatic pulp that is pleasantly sour yet free of tannic astringency, offering a flavor that surpasses even the renowned cambuci.

The tree itself is small, typically growing 2–4 meters tall, with a narrow canopy of a treecrown and semi-drops leaves annuallydeciduous foliage that drops partially in winter. Historically, English colonists prized the fruit for making jams, and it remains excellent for juices and ice cream.

Campomanesia hirsuta thrives in high-altitude subtropical or tropical climates, particularly near forests or streams, and prefers humus-rich, well-drained soils in partial shade. During fruiting, it benefits from phosphate fertilizers like bone meal or superphosphate. Given its endangered status and exceptional fruit quality, this species is a top candidate for reforestation, conservation, and specialty cultivation projects within the Atlantic Forest biome.