Garcinia spicata
Garlic fruit or Bitter garcinia
- Also called Garlic fruit, Bitter garcinia
Evergreen tree, up to 25 m
What it is
Garcinia spicata is an evergreen tree of the mangosteen family, with neat horizontal branches and smooth, yellowish-brown bark that oozes a milky, sticky sap when cut. Its glossy leaves grow in opposite pairs. Small white flowers are followed by round yellowish fruits 3 to 4 cm across, with sweet-sour pulp, a bitter aftertaste and a strong smell. It is native to southern India and Sri Lanka.
What it's used for
- The fruit is edible, though strong-smelling.
- It is planted as a hardy ornamental, even in coastal spots exposed to sea spray.
Where we plant it
Reforestation in Tamil Nadu, India
Sadhana Forest, Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India
Plant trees in this projectOur partners plant the mix of native species that suits each site and season, so a gift plants trees in the project rather than this one species. Garcinia spicata is one of the species planted there.
More trees planted in Reforestation in Tamil Nadu, India
Hairy fig or PeyattiFicus hispida
Wild karanda or ConkerberryCarissa spinarum
Cansjera, a native forest climberCansjera rheedei
Shining bush-violetBarleria nitida
Vagai or Siris treeAlbizia lebbeck
Usilai or Krishna sirisAlbizia amara
Chokkalai or Droopy leafAglaia elaeagnoidea
Wild lime or Kattu elumichaiAtalantia monophylla
See all 37 species in Reforestation in Tamil Nadu, India
