Garcinia gummi-gutta

Garcinia gardneriana (also known as Bacupari) is a species of tropical fruit tree in the Clusiaceae family. It is native to South America, particularly in the Amazon Rainforest. The tree is known for its edible fruit, which is consumed both raw and in culinary preparations.

Description

The Garcinia gardneriana tree can reach up to 20 meters in height. It has a straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark. The leaves are simple, opposite, and oblong, with a glossy dark green color on the upper surface and a lighter green on the underside. The flowers are hermaphroditic, with four yellowish petals.

The fruit of the Garcinia gardneriana is a berry that measures between 5 and 7 centimeters in diameter. It has a smooth, yellowish skin when ripe, and contains several seeds surrounded by a sweet, juicy pulp.

Distribution and Habitat

Garcinia gardneriana is found in the tropical forests of South America, from Brazil to Paraguay and northern Argentina. It grows in a variety of habitats, from lowland rainforests to montane forests, and can tolerate a range of soil types.

Uses

The fruit of the Garcinia gardneriana is consumed fresh and is also used in the preparation of jams, juices, and desserts. It is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, and has a sweet, slightly acidic taste.

In traditional medicine, the bark and leaves of the tree are used to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases.

Conservation

While Garcinia gardneriana is not currently listed as threatened, its habitat is being rapidly lost due to deforestation for agriculture and urban development. Efforts are being made to conserve the species through seed collection and propagation in botanical gardens.

See Also

• Garcinia
• Tropical fruit
• Amazon Rainforest