Garcinia hombroniana

Garcinia gummi-gutta is a tropical species of Garcinia, a genus of flowering plants in the family Clusiaceae. Native to Indonesia, it is also cultivated in Southeast Asia, India, and central and west Africa. The fruit, which resembles a small pumpkin, is green to pale yellow in color and is commonly known as Garcinia cambogia, a former scientific name. Other common names include Malabar tamarind and brindleberry.

Description

Garcinia gummi-gutta is an evergreen, small or medium-sized understorey tree that grows up to 20 m high. The tree develops drooping branches, with the leaves arranged in opposite pairs or whorls of three. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped with a narrow end, measuring 5–12 cm long and 2–7 cm broad. The flowers are borne in clusters in the leaf axils and are red to pink in color.

Fruit

The fruit of Garcinia gummi-gutta is yellowish or reddish, about the size of an orange, with a thin skin and deep vertical lobes. The fruit ripens during the rainy season and contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is thought to be the active ingredient. The rind of the fruit is often used in cooking, particularly in the preparation of curries.

Uses

Garcinia gummi-gutta is used in cooking, including in the preparation of curries. The fruit rind and extracts are also used in many traditional medicine systems. The extract from the fruit is used in weight loss supplements, although there is no conclusive scientific evidence supporting these claims.

Cultivation

Garcinia gummi-gutta is grown for its fruit in Southeast Asia, coastal Karnataka/Kerala, India, and west and central Africa. It thrives in most moist forests.

See also

• Garcinia
• Hydroxycitric acid
• Traditional medicine

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