Hortiforum

General Info – Mundu, Munu, Maphuut, Baniti, Rata Fruit, Yellow Mangosteen, Sweet Garcinia

The Mundu is a soft, bright yellow-fleshed fruit with smooth, juicy flesh. The fruits are not particularly sweet and are noticeably sour, though less so than their relative, the Yellow Mangosteen. Their flavour is distinctly citrusy and often likened to Orange, with the fruit at its sweetest when fully ripe. Mundu is most commonly eaten fresh, with both the flesh and skin being edible. It can also be preserved, candied or added to sherbets.
A Garcinia native to South-East Asia and tropical Australia, like the Purple Mangosteen and Yellow Mangosteen, the mundu is best suited to tropical climates. However, it shows some tolerance for cooler conditions and can be grown in subtropical areas, and potentially even in regions on the edge of the warm temperate zone, provided it is planted in a warm, sheltered position. It thrives in moist, humid conditions, tolerates a wide range of soil types, and is highly shade-tolerant. Mundu prefers plentiful rainfall; its drought tolerance is not well documented, though much of its native range experiences distinct dry seasons, and it appears to respond well following these periods. Plants are self-fertile, which is particularly advantageous given their potential size, as they do not require a second large tree for pollination.
Trees have a short, straight trunk but can reach a considerable size. In ideal conditions, they may grow up to 15m tall, and occasionally as much as 20m. They have a pyramidal form with a dense crown and drooping, leathery evergreen foliage, which emerges in an attractive red to pink when young.

Plant Profile/Properties