Garcinia intermedia

An overview of the Garcinia intermedia plant

Garcinia intermedia fruit

Garcinia intermedia, commonly known as the "lemon drop mangosteen" or "charichuelo," is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the family Clusiaceae. It is native to Central and South America, where it grows in tropical rainforests and is cultivated for its edible fruit.

Description

Garcinia intermedia is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach heights of 6 to 20 meters. The tree has a dense canopy with glossy, dark green leaves that are elliptic to oblong in shape. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown.

Flowers

The flowers of Garcinia intermedia are small, white to pale yellow, and are typically borne in clusters. They are unisexual, with male and female flowers occurring on separate trees, a condition known as dioecy.

Fruit

The fruit of Garcinia intermedia is a small, round berry, approximately 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter. It has a thin, smooth, yellow to orange skin when ripe. The pulp is juicy, translucent, and has a sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of citrus fruits. Each fruit contains one to three seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

Garcinia intermedia is found in the tropical regions of Central and South America, including countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil. It thrives in humid, tropical climates and is often found in lowland rainforests.

Cultivation

Garcinia intermedia is cultivated for its fruit, which is consumed fresh or used in beverages and desserts. The tree prefers well-drained, acidic soils and requires a warm, humid environment to thrive. It is propagated by seeds, which germinate readily.

Uses

The fruit of Garcinia intermedia is valued for its refreshing taste and is often eaten fresh. It is also used to make juices, jams, and jellies. In addition to its culinary uses, the fruit is sometimes used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.

Related pages

• Garcinia mangostana
• Clusiaceae
• Tropical fruit