Garcinia Mangostana
Contents
Description
Garcinia Mangostana, commonly known as mangosteen, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical regions such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a dense, pyramidal crown with glossy, dark green leaves. The fruit of the mangosteen is round, about the size of a tangerine, and has a thick, dark purple rind that covers a soft and juicy white pulp. The fruit has a sweet, tangy flavor and is often referred to as the “queen of fruits” due to its delicious taste and nutritional benefits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Clusiaceae |
| Genus | Garcinia |
Appearance
The mangosteen tree has a dense, pyramidal crown with glossy, dark green leaves that are about 10-25 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a smooth, grey bark. The fruit of the mangosteen is round, about the size of a tangerine, and has a thick, dark purple rind that covers a soft and juicy white pulp. The fruit has a sweet, tangy flavor and is often referred to as the “queen of fruits” due to its delicious taste and nutritional benefits.
Care Guide
The mangosteen tree is a tropical plant and requires warm temperatures, high humidity, and plenty of sunlight to grow and produce fruit. It is important to plant the tree in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The tree should be watered regularly, especially during the dry season, and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 months. The mangosteen tree is sensitive to cold temperatures and should be protected from frost, so it is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The mangosteen tree is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including fruit flies, mealybugs, scales, and powdery mildew. To prevent these pests and diseases, it is important to keep the tree healthy and well-maintained. Regular pruning, fertilization, and pest control measures can help prevent infestations and keep the tree healthy.
Habitat
The mangosteen tree is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical regions such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is also grown in other tropical regions such as the Caribbean, South America, and Africa. The tree prefers warm temperatures, high humidity, and plenty of sunlight, and is often grown in lowland areas near rivers or other sources of water.
Question and Answer
Q: Can mangosteen help with weight loss?
A: Mangosteen is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help promote weight loss. It also contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-obesity effects.
Q: How do you know when a mangosteen is ripe?
A: A ripe mangosteen will have a dark purple rind and a soft, juicy pulp that is slightly acidic and sweet.
Q: Is mangosteen safe to eat?
A: Yes, mangosteen is safe to eat and is considered to be a nutritious and healthy fruit. However, it is important to wash the fruit thoroughly before eating it.
Q: Can you grow mangosteen from seed?
A: Yes, mangosteen can be grown from seed, but it can take up to 10 years for the tree to produce fruit.
Related Plants
- Garcinia Cambogia
- Garcinia Indica
- Garcinia Kola
- Garcinia Atroviridis
References
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mangosteen#what-it-is
- https://www.thespruce.com/growing-mangosteen-trees-3269368
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6353093/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453016301465
