Hortiforum

General Info – Achacha, Achachairu, Bolivian Mangosteen

Achacha are one of the most exciting tropical fruits emerging into greater popularity. A mouth-watering summer fruit, the Achacha are egg-shaped and roughly the size of a small Plum, with a vibrant, inviting orange colour when mature. The orange rind of the Achacha can be easily split open through either a knife or fingers, revealing a delectable white pulp within. The pulp is succulent and delicate with a superb mixture between acidity and sweetness that makes it a guaranteed winner for lovers of sub-acidic fruits. Likened to a sorbet, the flesh clings to usually three seeds within and the flesh-seed ratio is somewhat poor although understandably so for a largely uncultivated species. Tastewise fruits are most commonly likened to the Purple Mangosteen, though with a distinct sour tang like fellow Garcinia the Bacupari and Lemon Drop Mangosteen. Fruits should be picked fully ripe as they will not ripen further off the tree and stored at room temperature for longest storage life. Like the related Purple Mangosteen, the Achacha is a native of the tropics, specifically the Amazonian Basin of Bolivia. Achacha, comparatively exhibit greater cold hardiness and can withstand cool subtropical climates when conditions are favorable. Gardeners have reported trouble-free success cultivating Achachas in certain parts of Sydney, making it one of the few Garcinia species able to grow in marginal cooler climates. However, the fruiting quality of trees remains unclear, and the time required to reach fruiting will undoubtedly be lengthy. The Achacha is a rainforest understory tree, preferring partial shade during its early stages and maturing in full sun. It does not tolerate poorly draining soil and requires regular watering throughout its summer growing period, especially if not naturally provided by high rainfall. Even in native climates, Achachas are notoriously slow-growing, taking up to 7-8 years to bear fruit from seed, and this duration can extend to over 10 years in more marginal climates. While Achachas are self-pollinating, cross-pollination enhances fruit set. Trees can develop into either a dense small tree or shrub, reaching heights of up to 10m, but they often stay smaller. Once mature, the horizontal branches, lanceolate leaves and pyrimidal shape create a bushy form. Fruits are often borne deep within the tree, which when combined with its dense, bushy form can result in the valuable fruits being hidden within. While patience is necessary for fruiting, the Achacha is a must-try due to its truly superb taste.

Plant Profile/Properties