Rheedia brasiliensis, Rheedia laterifolia, Garcinia laterifolia

Rheedia brasiliensis (Bakupari) is a small tree which grows 10-20 ft in height and is a native to Brazil. It is a semi-shade loving plant and needs regular watering in order to thrive. This ethnomedical plant has an edible fruit that is a rich source of many healthy benefits. The fruits have a subacid white pulp with an excellent flavor and can reach up to 1-1/2 inches in length. The orange-yellow, pliable, and leathery skin is easy to remove. Inside two rounded seeds are enclosed amongst the aril-like, translucent pulp. The tree blooms in December and matures in January and February, producing an abundance of fruits.

In addition to its delicious flavor, the fruit of Rheedia brasiliensis is used to make sweetmeats or jam. The seeds also contain 10 percent oil by weight, which is used in Brazil in poultices to treat wounds, whitlows, tumors, and an enlarged liver. An infusion from the fruit pulp has a narcotic action that mimics nicotine effects.

Grown in USDA Zone 9-11, Rheedia brasiliensis (Bakupari) is easy to care for. It prefers full sun exposure, but can also tolerate semi-shade. This small tree needs regular watering and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. In colder regions where it may not be possible to plant outside, the tree can be grown in a pot with similar care requirements.

Similar plants:

• Garcinia megaphylla, Garcinia macrophylla, Rheedia macrophylla, Garcinia magnifolia, Rheedia magnifolia (Bacuru Pary, Bacuripari )
• Rheedia edulis, Garcinia intermedia, Calophyllum edule (Monkey Fruit, Sastra, Cherry Mangosteen, Lemon Drop Mangosteen)
• Rheedia aristata, Rheedia macrophylla (Cuban Mangosteen, Garcinia)
• Rheedia longifolia (Charichuela, Bacuri Azedo, Sour Bacuri, Bumpy Lemon, Garcinia)
• Rheedia madruno (Madrono, Madrone, Bakupari, Garcinia)
• Rheedia puertoricensis (Reedia, Garcinia)
• Garcinia atroviridis (Asam Gelugor, Gelugor)
• Garcinia gummi-gutta, Garcinia cambogia (Brindleberry, Brindall berry, Gambooge, Malabar Tamarind, Kudam Puli)
• Garcinia hombroniana (Seashore Mangosteen, Luli)
• Garcinia livingstonei (Imbe, Rheedia, Lowveld Mangosteen)