Garcinia pedunculata
| Scientific name | Garcinia pedunculata [1][5] | Common names | Borthekera; Bengal sour fruit | Genus | Garcinia | Family | Clusiaceae | Order | Malpighiales | Growth form | Dioecious evergreen fruit tree | Native range | Southwest China, Bangladesh, and northeast India [2][3] | Mature size | About 10–20 m | Climate/site | Humid dense forest on hills, usually 200–400 m and exceptionally to about 1,500 m | Propagation | Seed; germination may be slow | Fruit | Yellow, oblate, strongly acidic; about 10–18 × 11–20 cm, up to about 900 g | Harvest | Fresh fruit and dried slices; local timing varies | Years to fruit | N/A; a supported species-wide bearing-age value is not established |
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Garcinia pedunculata is a large humid-forest Garcinia valued for its strongly acidic fruit. Borthekera fruit is eaten fresh or cooked and is commonly dried or pickled for later culinary use. [3]
Description[edit | edit source]
The tree has a lax, oval crown, a fluted trunk, and thick corky bark. It commonly reaches about 10–20 m. The large yellow fruit is oblate, with a reported size of about 10–18 cm long by 11–20 cm wide and a weight of up to about 900 g. [4]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
In its native range, the species grows in humid dense forest on hills, usually at 200–400 m and occasionally as high as about 1,500 m. A garden site should reproduce the consistently moist forest-floor climate with deep organic soil and reliable drainage; avoid a permanently saturated root zone unless local soil structure drains freely. [3]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
This is a humid-tropical forest tree. Young plants are best protected from harsh, drying exposure, while a mature tree needs an open enough position for airflow and crown development. High atmospheric humidity and steady soil moisture are more appropriate than a hot, drought-prone site. [3]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The native habitat is humid forest rather than a strongly seasonal dry woodland. Maintain irrigation during dry weather and reduce only the frequency needed to keep the soil aerated during prolonged rain. A universal flowering or harvest calendar has not been established for the species.
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Seed is the principal documented method, but the available species account notes that Garcinia seed can be slow to germinate even when sown fresh, sometimes taking six months or more. Use fresh, viable seed in a warm, evenly moist medium and protect the container from drying while waiting for emergence. [5]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
The species is dioecious, so male and female plants are usually needed when fruit and seed are required. A reliable species-wide age to first fruit and universal harvest season are not established. In cultivation and local harvest, fruit is handled fresh or preserved after ripening. [3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruit is eaten raw or cooked but is notably acidic. Sliced fruit can be dried in the sun for use in curries, or used as a pickle or flavoring in juices. The fruit is also described as a substitute for lime in dried form. [3][4]
References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
No image is included.