Hortiforum

General Info – Cuban Mangosteen, Garcinia

A robust member of the Mangosteen family, the Cuban Mangosteen is a seldom-cultivated variety of Garcinia, particularly well-suited for coastal gardeners seeking to cultivate a Garcinia in an exposed, coastal location.
The Cuban Mangosteen exhibits remarkable resilience to wind and salt, making it an optimal choice for coastal climates. It thrives best when provided with a neutral PH soil, excellent drainage and ample rainfall. Cuban Mangosteen is notably cold-resistant for a Garcinia, it can withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees Celsius.
Similar to the Imbe, the Cuban Mangosteen produces small, orange fruits possessing a delightful combination of sweetness and tartness, contained within a refreshing, soft, and juicy pulp – an ideal choice for a wholesome, fresh snack.
Unlike its somewhat rugged-looking relative, the Imbe, the Cuban Mangosteen boasts a more ornamental appearance, although sharing numerous characteristics and attributes with the former. The plant’s aesthetic appeal is heightened by its dark green, slender leaves, though caution is advised due to the presence of sharp spines at the leaf ends. In cultivation, plants will typically reach a modest size of 5-6m tall, a manageable size for most gardens.
In summary, the Cuban Mangosteen stands out as an excellent choice for tropical locations exposed to both wind and salt, combining ornamental beauty with practical resilience.

Plant Profile/Properties