Garcinia - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Species:

Garcinia atroviridis

Garcinia cambogia

Garcinia dulcis (Maphuut)

Garcinia hombroniana

Garcinia livingstonei

Garcinia mangostana

Garcinia megaphylla

Garcinia nervosa

Garcinia nigrolineata

Garcinia parvifolia

Garcinia prainiana

Garcinia schomburgkiana

Garcinia spicata

Garcinia subelliptica

Garcinia xanthochymus

Garcinia spicata is a fast-growing evergreen tree, ideal for small gardens and areas where a few tropical trees are desired. It grows best in full sun, but can tolerate semi-shade. It is one of the few Garcinia that can be grown in semi-protected zones. It prefers regular water, but will tolerate a dry spell if needed.

This lovely plant grows up to 20 feet tall with a head spreading up to 15 feet. The young trees are very attractive, with bright green, glossy leaves and a central stem. With mature plants, the trunks, branches and leaves become more ornamental and the tree takes on a sleek, slim form. The flowers and fruits are also very attractive. The small, greenish-yellow flowers give way to edible orange-yellow fruits that are full of medicinal properties.

Garcinia spicata is an ethnobotanical plant, with many traditional uses in India and Sri Lanka, where it's often known as the "king of fruits". The orange-yellow fruits have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.

In areas with a mild climate, Garcinia spicata can thrive outdoors in zones USDA 10-11. In cooler climates, it is best grown in a large pot in an outdoor sheltered area. The tree is cold hardy down to 30°F for a short time. When planting, make sure the location gets enough sun and water. It is important to prune the tree regularly to keep it in shape, as this plant will become top-heavy if not pruned periodically.

Garcinia spicata is an attractive and adaptable tree that can make a great addition to any garden. Low maintenance, salt tolerant and a great source of edible, medicinal fruits, it is worth considering for any tropical or subtropical garden.

Medium sized tree with large leaves. Flowering occurs between March and May. Golden yellow berry, 2-3" in diameter with a yellow, juicy, and acidic pulp usually containing two seeds. Often used in making jams. Can be used as a substitute for tamarind in cooking. Fruit juice and bark extract are used as dyes. Contains a biologically active compound which is known to inhibit the synthesis of lipids and fatty acids and lower the formation of LDL and triglycerides. Garcinia also contains significant amounts of Vitamin C and has been used as a heart tonic. Research suggests that this natural extract may also inhibit the conversion of excess calories to body fat. Additionally, appetite is also suppressed by promoting synthesis of glycogen. Glycogen is the stored form of glucose, one of the body's primary sources of energy. Increased glycogen production and storage is the body's normal way of signaling the brain's satiety centre that enough food has been eaten. This has made Garcinia a very effective herbal medicine for controlling obesity and cholesterol. It is a well established fat burning agent all over the world and is currently becoming a rage in America, Japan, Europe and many other western nations. It is recommended as a dieting aid supported by exercise and a balanced nutritional diet.

Rare, Puerto Rican fruit that is closely related to Rheedia aristata (Cuban Mangosteen).

Very slow grower; attractive ornamental.

Garcinia atroviridis (Asam Gelugor) is a large rainforest tree that usually grows to heights of more than 20 feet tall and is native to Malaysia. Its large leaves are green, oblong-lanceolate in shape. The tree produces dark red, crimson and vinous flowers. Fruit production can vary from tree to tree. But generally, Garcinia atroviridis can produce more than 20 fruits which each contain about 5 seeds. The flesh is rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Iron, and Magnesium, as well as being a good source of healthy dietary fiber. It is also rich in Gallic Acid, which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent believed to be beneficial in controlling inflammation and boosting the immune, cardiovascular and hormone systems. Ripe fruit appears as a bright-yellow orange and has a sour taste which makes it unappetizing to eat raw. Instead of eating it raw, Asam fruit is typically sliced, dried, then stewed and used as a warm and sour ingredient in many Asian dishes such as curries and soups.

The tree is used in ethnomedical plants and its fruit is very versatile. It has been used for centuries as a digestive aid as well as for its appetite-suppressing effects. When taken in capsule form, it is recommended to take two prior to meals as a natural appetite suppressant.

Garcinia atroviridis can be grown in USDA Zones 9-10, provided it has access to full sun or semi-shade, and is watered regularly. In cold regions, it can be successfully grown in a pot, but requires protection from cold weather.

Garcinia gummi-gutta is an evergreen large tree that typically grows in warm, humid areas; it is usually taller than 20 feet. A smaller variety of the tree is also available, measuring at 10-20 feet. It flourishes mainly in areas where the weather is hot, and can thrive in both full sun and semi-shade exposure. When it comes to taking care of a Garcinia gummi-gutta tree, it is necessary to provide it with a consistent amount of water and organic fertilizer. In addition, it is important to prune it regularly in order to maintain an appropriate size and fruit production. Growing guidance in the cooler regions may vary, so container planting and protection from frost is recommended.

The flowers of the plant bloom either in red, crimson, or vinous colors while the fruit can vary from yellow to orange. Not only is Garcinia gummi-gutta an ethnomedical plant that has been used for centuries to heal various ailments, it also bears edible fruit that contains a range of beneficial compounds. The fruit is very healthy and can provide a good source of dietary fiber. Garcinia gummi-gutta can produce up to 200 fruits a year, which can be eaten raw or cooked in dishes. Not only possesses the fruit a range of medicinal qualities, its juice is also used for flavoring and preparing curries. As a result, Garcinia gummi-gutta is an essential ingredient to many traditional recipes in Southeast Asia. Altogether, these properties make this plant a popular choice for any garden.

Naturally grows near seashores, so it likely salt and sand tolerant. Flowers are whitish, and occur terminally in clusters of 1-3. Trees are dioecious. Seashore mangosteen is propagated by seeds, which germinate in 3-4 weeks. It may be used as a rootstock for mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana - mangosteen grafting). It is very tolerant adverse soil and climatic conditions, being adapted to growing in sandy and rocky soils near the beach in its native habitat. It also grows well in acid clay soils, and tolerates drought as well as high rainfall.

Trees are dioecious. The fruit is smooth, spherical and beaked, with a pinkish red peel. The interior is segmented, like the mangosteen, but the pulp is yellowish, thin and sour, although it has a good flavor. Most segments contain one flat seed. The roots and leaves are used medicinally to relieve itching.

Garcinia livingstonei is a large shrub to small tree, growing 5-10 ft tall in warmer climates and 10-20 ft tall in more temperate climates. It is an ethnomedical plant that is native to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Northern Botswana. Imbe thrives in full sun, with moderate water requirements. Once established, the plant can tolerate heavy pruning and even light frosts, making it cold hardy in USDA Zone 10-11, surviving down to temperatures of 30s F.

Fruits of Garcinia livingstonei are smallish and ovoid to round, having a thick and durable rind, which can range in color from orange to yellow. Its flesh is made up of an edible, acid-sweet whitish pulp that surrounds a small seed. The fruit is considered rich in vitamins and minerals, with a high nutritional value. When mature, a Lowveld Mangosteen can produce hundreds of fruits for harvesting.

From a plant care perspective, Garcinia livingstonei does not have particularly specific requirements. In colder regions it can easily be grown in a pot that can be moved indoors during periods of extreme cold. The plant should be pruned to control growth and encourage the formation of lateral branches, providing the stem with a bushy, globe-like shape that is aesthetically pleasing.