Hortiforum

General Info – Purple Mangosteen, Mangosteen

Known as the ‘Queen of Fruit,’ the Mangosteen is a delightful indulgence, considered the epitome of tropical fruits and a true luxury for those fortunate enough to cultivate this sensitive, ultra-tropical Garcinia.
Mangosteens exhibit a size range from that of a small Plum to an Apple, featuring a thick black rind concealing succulent, aromatic white pulp. The sweet yet slightly acidic, fragrant white pulp is seperated into variably sized sections resembling Mandarin or Orange segments. This luscious flesh boasts an addictively unique taste, almost too delicious to compare but often likened to a blend of Lychee, Grape, Pineapple, Citrus and Peach. While delectable and luscious enjoyed fresh, these fruits can also be canned and frozen. Owing to their superb flavour, Purple Mangosteen have become pantropically cultivated and can now be found across the globe although commercial cultivation is difficult and uncommon outside their native South East Asia. Purple Mangosteen can take over eight years to begin bearing fruit when grown from seed, but once mature, it can yield hundreds of fruits.
Being an ultra-tropical tree highly sensitive to cold temperatures, Mangosteen trees prove challenging to cultivate outside equatorial climates and are marginally viable in subtropical regions. They demand year-round tropical temperatures and protection from even mildly cool conditions. More suitable Garcinia for subtropical climates are Yellow Mangosteen, Lemon Drop Mangosteen or Achacha. During dry periods, the plants suffer significantly, necessitating near-constant soil moisture and abundant year-round rainfall, conditions that can be facilitated through heavy mulching and watering. Similar to many rainforest trees, Mangosteens require shade throughout their juvenile years and can be planted under the shade of Banana, Durian or Coconut. They also need protection from strong winds and exhibit high sensitivity to salt, making them unsuitable for coastal locations with salt exposure. Optimal results are achieved in slightly acidic, free-draining loam soil that both drains well and retains moisture.
While not typically grown solely for their ornamental value, Mangosteens add an attractive feature to any garden, complementing the allure of delicious fruit. Although capable of reaching heights up to 25 metres, they often mature at 15 metres but can be easily maintained at a smaller stature due to their very slow growth rate. These trees form an appealing pyramidal shape, featuring leathery, glossy leaves that create a dense canopy.
Despite their demanding nature, the Mangosteen’s captivating fruits make the effort well worthwhile, encouraging enthusiasts not to shy away from the challenge.

Plant Profile/Properties