Shan mu gua
Garcinia esculenta
Family: Clusiaceae
What it is like
A tree. It grows 15-20 m tall. The leaves are brownish underneath. They are narrowly oval and 12-18 cm long by 4-7 cm wide. Plants are separately male and female. The petals are yellow. Male flowers occur in groups of 2 or 3 and female flowers usually occur singly. The fruit are oval and orange. They are 3 cm across.
There are about 300 Garcinia species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in mixed forests in valleys between (900-)1300-1700 m altitude in southern China. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China
How it is used for food
The fruit is juicy and slightly sour and is eaten raw.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
In China plants flower in August to October and fruit June to August.
Its other names
Local names
Me ren