Introduction
Garcinia edulis Exell, commonly known as the lemon drop mangosteen, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree that is native to the West African rainforests of Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. Also, it is found in the Central Africa region and Madagascar, where it is known by different names.
Common Names
Lemon drop mangosteen, orange mangosteen, false mangosteen, imbe, African mangosteen, and wild mangosteen are a few of the common names for Garcinia edulis Exell.
Description
Garcinia edulis is a small, evergreen tree that grows to a height of 5 to 10 meters. The leaves are glossy green with an elliptical shape and a length of 9-24cm. The tree bears small, white flowers that are approximately 2cm in diameter. The fruit is round, with a diameter of 3-4cm, and a hard, woody rind that turns yellowish-orange when ripe. The pulp is yellowish-orange, juicy, and has a sweet and slightly acidic flavor. The fruit has one or two seeds that are hard and inedible.
Uses
Garcinia edulis Exell is primarily grown for its fruit, which is consumed fresh, although it can also be eaten cooked or used in juices. The fruit is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. In Africa, the fruit is used for medicinal purposes, such as treating diarrhea, dysentery, and haemorrhoids. Additionally, the bark and leaves of the tree are used in traditional medicines to treat various ailments such as inflammation, infections, and stomach problems. The tree is also an excellent source of timber, which is used for making furniture, boat building, and construction work.
Conclusion
Garcinia edulis Exell is a tropical fruit-bearing tree, also referred to as lemon drop mangosteen, that is native to the West African rainforests. The tree bears exceptionally delicious fruit that is juicy and sweet with a slight acidic flavor, which is consumed fresh or used in juices. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. The tree's leaves and bark have various medicinal uses and are used in traditional medicines to treat various ailments. Additionally, the tree is a good source of timber used in furniture and boat building.
Light Requirements
Garcinia edulis Exell thrives in bright and indirect sunlight. The plant prefers an environment with dappled sunlight or partial shade, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves and make them lose their color. Therefore, it is advisable to place the plant near a window that faces east, west, or north, which receives less intense sunlight as compared to south facing windows.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in warm and humid conditions. An ideal temperature range is between 20-30°C (68-86°F), which makes it suitable for warm and tropical climates. The plant should be kept away from cold drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations, causing stress and damage to the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
Garcinia edulis Exell prefers organic and well-draining soil that is slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5). The soil should be rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A good potting mix can be made by mixing peat moss, perlite, sand, and compost in equal parts. The plant also responds well to regular fertilization, and a balanced fertilizer will help the plant grow healthy and green.
Cultivation
Garcinia edulis Exell, also known as the Lemon Drop Mangosteen or Mundu, is a tropical evergreen tree that thrives well in warm and humid conditions. As such, it grows best in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. The tree prefers well-drained and fertile soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5.
You can grow Garcinia edulis Exell from seeds, cuttings, or grafting. If growing from seeds, ensure you select mature and healthy seeds, and plant them in well-prepared nurseries. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of 2 cm and watered regularly until germination, which takes about 20 to 30 days.
If propagating from cuttings or grafting, take cuttings from mature and healthy trees that have a diameter of 1 to 2 cm, and plant them in a well-prepared rooting medium. Ensure the cuttings are kept moist and warm until they form roots and start growing before transplanting in a permanent location.
Watering Needs
Garcinia edulis Exell requires adequate water during the early growth stages. Afterward, the tree can tolerate short periods of drought. The amount of water needed varies depending on the soil type, weather conditions, and growth stage of the tree. However, ensure you water the tree when the soil feels dry to the touch.
If planting in sandy soils, water the tree more frequently as the soils tend to drain water faster. Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
Fertilization
Garcinia edulis Exell requires regular fertilization to grow well and produce healthy fruits. Incorporate well-rotted manure, compost, or a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting and during the growing season.
Apply fertilizer once every three months during the growing season. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to help promote growth, flowering, and fruit development.
Pruning
Pruning plays a critical role in the growth and productivity of Garcinia edulis Exell. Regular pruning helps maintain tree size, shape, and improve air circulation, which reduces the incidence of diseases.
Prune the tree during the dormant season or when the fruits are harvested. Remove crossing branches, weak limbs, suckers, and any diseased or damaged branches. You can also prune the tree to maintain a central leader or an open center, depending on your desired tree shape.
Propagation of Garcinia edulis Exell
Garcinia edulis Exell, commonly known as the lemon drop mangosteen, is a slow-growing evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia and Malaysia. Propagation of this plant is usually done through seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method used for Garcinia edulis Exell. The seeds are extracted from ripe fruit and planted immediately. The seeds must be planted in a well-draining medium and kept moist until germination, which usually takes two to three weeks. The seedlings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they are established.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a challenging method for Garcinia edulis Exell as the success rate for rooting is usually low. However, it is still a viable option for propagation. Semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy mother plants can be taken and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining medium. The cuttings must be kept moist and in a warm environment. Rooting usually takes six to eight weeks.
Propagation through Air Layering
Air layering is a reliable method for propagating Garcinia edulis Exell. This method involves making a cut on the stem of a healthy mother plant and covering it with a rooting hormone. The cut end is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap. The moss must be kept moist, and the plastic should be removed when roots start to grow. The new plant can be separated from the mother plant and potted once roots are established.
Regardless of the propagation method used, Garcinia edulis Exell requires a warm and humid environment and consistent watering until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia edulis Exell
Garcinia edulis Exell requires adequate disease and pest management to thrive. Common diseases and pests that can affect this plant include:
Anthracnose
This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and fruit of the plant. It causes the leaves to wilt and turn brown, and the fruit to rot. To manage anthracnose, remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. Apply fungicides to protect the plant and prevent the spread of disease.
Leaf spot
This is a bacterial or fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It causes small, circular spots on the leaves, which may eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Apply fungicides to prevent its spread.
Root rot
This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. It can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be applied to protect the plant from the fungus.
Citrus fruit fly
This is a common pest that affects the fruit of the Garcinia edulis Exell. It lays eggs in the fruit, which hatch into larvae and feed on the pulp. To manage the citrus fruit fly, remove infected fruit from the plant and destroy them. Use traps or baits to capture and kill adult flies.
Leafminer
This is an insect pest that feeds on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and drop. To manage leafminers, remove infected leaves and destroy them. Use insecticides to control the pest and prevent its spread.
Mites
These are tiny insect pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and drop. They can be controlled by using insecticides or by introducing predatory mites that feed on them.
Regular monitoring of Garcinia edulis Exell for disease and pests, good cultural practices, and timely intervention can help control the spread of diseases and pests, promoting healthy growth and a good yield of fruits.
