Garcinia dulcis (Common names: Mundu, Rata fruit, Yellow mangosteen)
This bright yellow tropical fruit is a lesser-known cousin of the mangosteen. It forms a small to medium tree with glossy leaves and a compact canopy. The fruit is round, smooth-skinned, and yellow when ripe, with a tangy-sweet pulp often used in drinks, preserves, or eaten fresh if fully ripe. The tree is ornamental, productive, and suitable for subtropical climates like Perth with protection from frost. Self-fertile and attractive to pollinators, it grows well in fertile, well-drained soil.
Garcinia dulcis is native to tropical Southeast Asia, with its origin spanning: The Philippines, Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, the Maluku Islands (Moluccas), and Papua New Guinea. It also occurs naturally in Queensland, Australia.
For a tropical Garcinia does suprisingly well in protected area in the garden in Perth.
Features
Ideal prune height: 2–4 metres
pH range: 5.5–7
Sun preference: Part shade
Minimum pot size by year 5: 45 litres
Time to fruit: 3–5 years from graft or seedling
Harvest period: Late summer to autumn
Notable traits: Bright yellow fruit, tangy flavour, ornamental foliage, self-fertile
Best grown in a wind-protected spot with afternoon shade in Perth summers. Young trees need regular watering and mulch. Add compost and trace elements for best results. Can be grown in large pots if deep root space is provided.
Garcinia dulcis is an excellent choice for those seeking something unusual, edible, and decorative. If you're after a unique alternative to lemon or tamarind with a tropical twist, this one's worth growing.
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