Garcinia oblongifolia Seeds | Oblong-leaved Garcinia
LATIN NAME: Garcinia oblongifolia
COMMON NAME: Oblong-Leaved Garcinia
Plant Profile
Garcinia oblongifolia, commonly known as Oblong-Leaved Garcinia, is a handsome, upright, evergreen tree in the mangosteen family, native to warm forests of the southern China, while it is prized for its fine, edible fruits. In mangosteen family it is yellow-fruited tree of warm forests, a cousin of famous mangosteen that carries the same glossy, leathery look. At maturity it stands about Fifteen metres. The flowers pull in pollinating insects, which quietly widens its usefulness in the garden. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Garcinia oblongifolia, a representative of the mangosteen family with clear practical value. Oblong-leaved garcinia holds a place in food-science papers of warm forests, where small, round, yellow or orange fruits are studied for their fine, sweet-sour value as a refreshing fruit of the region. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Oblong-Leaved Garcinia for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In warm garden, oblong-leaved garcinia is glossy tree of small fruit harvest. Its small flowers feed insects, its yellow or orange, fleshy fruits feed birds and wildlife, and glossy, evergreen crown gives garden shade and shelter through the year. Sweet-sour fruits are enjoyed as a fine fruit of region, and tree grows well in rich, moist, well-drained ground of sheltered spot. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Garcinia gives the mangosteen, the queen of tropical fruits, and kokum butter of confectionery; garcinia peel extracts are famous, though the honest evidence for weight effects is far weaker than the marketing.
Growing from Seed
Starting Oblong-Leaved Garcinia from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Among the Garcinia group, it is one of the more distinctive species in cultivation. Oblong-Leaved Garcinia settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Once the young plants are away, there is little left to do but watch them grow.
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