Garcinia intermedia (Monkey Fruit)
Botanical names: Garcinia intermedia, Rheedia edulis
Common names: Monkey Fruit, Sastra, Cherry Mangosteen, Lemon Drop Mangosteen
Family: Clusiaceae / Guttiferae
Origin: Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama)
USDA Zone: 9-11

Plant form: Large bush or small tree
Mature height: 10-20 ft
Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular
Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicineGarcinia intermedia, commonly known as Lemon Drop Mangosteen, is a small tropical fruit tree in the Clusiaceae family native to Central America. It typically grows 10 to 20 ft tall, forming a dense, rounded crown with glossy, dark green leaves. Small, white to pale yellow flowers are followed by bright yellow to orange fruits about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The fruits are thin-skinned and contain soft, juicy pulp with a sweet-tart flavor often compared to citrus, making them suitable for fresh eating.
This species prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with regular moisture. Growth rate is moderate in warm, humid conditions. Cold tolerance is limited, with damage likely below about 40F; best suited to USDA Zones 10 to 11. Garcinia intermedia is suitable for container growing when young and can be maintained in protected environments in cooler climates.Close related species -target=_blank>Garcinia livingstonei (Imbe).
Similar plants: Garcinia intermedia (Monkey Fruit)
- Garcinia megaphylla (Bacuru Pary)
- Garcinia portoricensis (Reedia)
- Rheedia brasiliensis (Bakupari)
- Garcinia gummi-gutta (Brindleberry)
- Garcinia hombroniana (Seashore Mangosteen)
- Garcinia livingstonei (Imbe)
- Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen)
- Garcinia prainiana (Cherapu)
- Garcinia schomburgkiana (Madan)
- Garcinia sp. (Garcinia)
Known as Lemon Drop Mangosteen or Madrono, this small, very slow growing tree brings both beauty and deliciousness to your rare fruit collection.
The tree is a compact, evergreen gem with glossy green leaves that look great year-round. Its small, bright yellow-orange fruits are about the size of a golf ball, with translucent white pulp inside. The taste? A refreshing burst of sweet and sour - like a lemony tropical candy!
These little fruits are not only great for snacking fresh but also make awesome juices, jams, or desserts. Plus, the tree is pretty low-maintenance - just give it some sun and water, and it's happy.












