Hortiforum

General Info – Button Mangosteen, Cherapu, Kecupu, Mencupu

The Button Mangosteen, also known as Cherapu, is a relatively unknown and underappreciated member of the Garcinia genus. Bursting with delightful flavour, its juicy, sweet flesh has a pleasant acidity and is often compared to the taste of a Tangerine. The orange-skinned fruit resembles a Persimmon in appearance, featuring succulent orange flesh that contains only a few relatively small seeds. Unlike many other Garcinia species, the Button Mangosteen has a thin rind, which is bitter, and the flesh closest to it can have a slightly resinous or latex-like taste. Usually eaten fresh, the fruit can also be used to make jams. As a member of the Garcinia family, it is related to the Purple Mangosteen, Achacha, Lemon Drop Mangosteen and Yellow Mangosteen.
Native to the lowland, humid tropics of Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, the Button Mangosteen generally requires growing conditions similar to other Garcinia species, particularly the Purple Mangosteen. It is a very slow-growing but long-lived plant, often beginning to fruit at a height of just 3 feet. The species is not drought-tolerant and has minimal resistance to cold, suffering damage at temperatures around 3 degrees celcius. It thrives in slightly acidic, deep loam soil with good drainage.
The Button Mangosteen develops a narrow, dense form, growing up to 10 metres tall. It features ornamental, rose-coloured, camellia-like flowers and attractive, dark green, glossy leaves, similar to those of the Purple Mangosteen.

Plant Profile/Properties