The mangosteen plant (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical evergreen tree prized for its sweet, tangy fruit known as the "queen of fruits." Here's a detailed description:
Botanical Description:
Family: Clusiaceae (also known as Guttiferae)
Genus: Garcinia
Species: G. mangostana
Plant Characteristics:
Height: Grows up to 6–25 meters (20–80 feet) tall.
Growth Form: Slow-growing, erect tree with a dense, pyramidal crown.
Trunk: Straight with grayish-brown bark that exudes a yellowish latex when cut.
Leaves:
Type: Simple, opposite, and evergreen.
Shape: Oblong to elliptic with a leathery texture.
Size: Typically 15–25 cm long.
Color: Dark green and glossy above; paler underneath.
Flowers:
Sexuality: Usually dioecious (male and female flowers on separate trees), though some are monoecious.
Appearance: Large, waxy, and reddish-purple with yellowish interiors.
Fragrance: Mildly aromatic.
Fruit:
Type: A round, smooth-skinned berry.
Size: About the size of a small apple, 5–8 cm in diameter.
Color: Deep purple to reddish when ripe.
Interior: Contains 4–8 white, juicy, sweet-sour segments (arils), which are edible.
Seeds: Some segments may contain soft seeds.
Habitat and Cultivation:
Climate: Thrives in warm, humid, tropical climates with consistent rainfall.
Soil: Prefers deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter.
Propagation: Commonly propagated by seeds, which are recalcitrant and should be planted fresh.
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