Garcinia speciosa
Family: Clusiaceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. It grows 17 m tall. It has a straight trunk. The branches are horizontal or drooping. The bark is dark brown. The leaves are 11-22 cm long by 3-7 cm wide. They are narrow at both ends. Male and female flowers are on separate trees. The flowers are pale yellowish-green. The fruit are 5 cm long and bright red. They are fleshy inside and have a sticky yellow latex.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in evergreen forests and moist deciduous forests.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Andamans, Asia, Bangladesh, East Africa, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Zambia
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
In NE Thailand fruit are available April to May.
Its other names
Local names
Bawa bwa, Lal cowgola, Palawa, Parawa