Forest mangosteen
Garcinia malaccensis

Family: Clusiaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It can be 24 m tall tree. The leaves have leaf stalk 2 cm long. They are leathery and oval to oblong. They are 7-26 cm long by 4-7 cm wide. The are dark shiny green and have a wedge shaped base. Male and female flowers are separate and near the ends of branches. Male flowers are in groups of 4-6. Fruit are flattened oval berries 4.5 cm across. They are green and ripen to pink or red.

There are about 300 Garcinia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits hot, wet and humid tropical climates. It grows in the lowlands and up to 540 m above sea level. It can grow in shade and is best in well-drained soils rich in organic matter.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The flesh is acid-sweet and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Jungle mangosteen, Manggis burung, Manggis hutan

Synonyms

Garcinia cornea Roxb.; Possibly linked to G. maingayi or G. hombroniana