African mangosteen

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the hot dry tropical lowlands. Trees grow best on acid soils. They have good salt tolerance. The leaves are wind resistant. Established trees are drought resistant but for best fruit production regular watering is needed. Trees are cold hardy. Trees can survive temperatures down to -3°C. Trees grow best with plenty of sunlight. They grow naturally in open woodland often under the shelter of larger trees. It grows in Miombo woodland. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 1,050 m above sea level. It does best with a pH of 5.5-7. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. In Cairns BG.

Also known as:

Chedi, Chimbango, Etunganan, Himbi, Imbe, Impembe, Isinpula, Isinyula, Kikangakanywa, Kisambwe, Laeveldse geelmelkhout, Lisimpula, Livingstone garcinia, Lowveld mangosteen, Mbigo, Mgidzofidzo, Mfungatanzu, Mndee-mzize, Motsaodi, Motsaudi, Mpekecho, Mphimbi, Mpugopugo, Mtotozi, Muelece, Mukanga, Mufodzohi, Mukwananga, Mujanuo, Munhinzwa, Muphiphi, Mupimbi, Murongwe, Mutumbi, Mutungwa, Ngangakanywa, Pohon manggis afrika, Senyula, Shamper, Shanfarood, Sina, Sinyula, Tulla, Umpimbo, Ushika

Synonyms

Garcinia angolensis Vesque

Garcinia baikieana Vesque

Garcinia ferrandii Chiov.

Edible Portion

Fruit, Leaves, Gum

Where does African mangosteen grow?

Found in: Africa, Asia, Australia, Angola, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central America, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, North America, SE Asia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, United States, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Notes: The leaves and flowers have proven antibiotic activity. The fruit leave lasting stains. There are about 300 Garcinia species.

Status: It is an attractive fruit. It is a cultivated food plant. It is a commonly used fruit in Mozambique.

Growing African mangosteen

Cultivation: As male and female flowers occur on separate trees both male and female trees must be planted. A male tree can be grafted onto a female. Trees can be grown from seed but these take 5-6 years to reach fruiting age. Earlier fruiting can be achieved by grafting onto established rootstocks. Zinc deficiency is more common on alkaline soils. Trees can be grown by air-layering.

Edible Uses: The fruit can be eaten fresh. They are also cooked with porridge. They are also used in ice cream, jam and drinks. They are used to make an alcoholic drink. It develops a purple colour. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Production: Trees grow slowly. Seedling trees can take 5-6 years until fruiting. Grafted trees can fruit in 3 years. The fruit take 28 days until ripe after fruit set. Fruit are harvested when fully ripe and do not store well.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part	Energy (kcal)	Protein (g)	Iron (mg)	Vitamin A (ug)	Vitamin c (mg)	Zinc (mg)	% Water
Fruit	61	0.8	0.3	-	5.4	0.2	83

African mangosteen Photos

African mangosteen

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