Forest mangosteen, Forest garcinia
Garcinia gerrardii

Family: Clusiaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows to 13 m high but may grow higher in tropical places. The crown is glossy green. The branches and twigs have grooves. The sap is brownish yellow and sticky. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are leathery. They are 2.5-13 cm long by 1.3-6 cm wide. They are egg shaped. The tip is pointed. The edges of the leaves often roll inwards. The leaves are dark glossy green on top and paler underneath. The flowers are male and female on separate trees. They occur in bunches at the ends of branches. The flowers have 4 white petals and sepals which are green with brown marks. The fruit is a round berry 2.5 cm long. It is orange when ripe and edible.

There are about 300 Garcinia species.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It grows in forests and at the edges of forests from sea level to 600 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for alcoholic drinks. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Sikhelamfene

Synonyms

Garcinia natalensis Schltr.; Garcinia tranvaalensis Burtt Davy;