Garcinia livingstonei

African Mangosteen -111

Garcinia livingstonei, commonly known as the African mangosteen, lowveld mangosteen, or Livingstone's garcinia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Clusiaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The plant is named after the Scottish explorer David Livingstone.

Description

Garcinia livingstonei is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 6-18 meters in height. The tree has a dense, rounded crown and a straight trunk. The leaves are simple, opposite, and leathery, with a glossy green appearance. They are elliptic to oblong in shape and measure about 6-12 cm in length.

The flowers of Garcinia livingstonei are small, yellowish-green, and unisexual, with male and female flowers occurring on separate trees (dioecious). The flowers are borne in clusters in the leaf axils.

Fruit

The fruit of Garcinia livingstonei is a small, round berry that measures about 2-4 cm in diameter. The skin is thick and orange to reddish when ripe. The pulp is juicy, yellow-orange, and has a sweet-tart flavor. Each fruit contains one to three large seeds.

Uses

The fruit of Garcinia livingstonei is edible and is often consumed fresh. It is also used to make jams, jellies, and juices. The tree is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and fruit.

Cultivation

Garcinia livingstonei prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires a warm, frost-free climate. The tree is propagated by seeds, which should be planted fresh for the best germination results.

Related Species

Garcinia livingstonei is related to other species in the genus Garcinia, including the well-known Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) and Garcinia cambogia.

Related Pages

• Garcinia
• Garcinia mangostana
• Garcinia cambogia
• Clusiaceae
• David Livingstone