Plant family: Clusiaceae (formerly Guttiferae)
Plant origin: Asia.
Fruit description: This Yellow Mangosteen is also known as Mundu. The fruit is bright orange and round, about the size and shape of a persimon, green when immature. It has a thick inedible skin, and one seed in each fruit. The edible flesh inside is orange, with a taste of apricot, and has both a sweet and sour flavor. When the fruit is ripe indicated by the bright orange color and is soft to touch, cut around the middle of the fruit, through the skin only and pull the 2 halves apart. The Mundu gives a lot of fruit, over many months.
Flowers: The very pretty female flowers have 4 big petals and the fruit forms in the middle of these, slowly growing until it reaches full size. The flowers occur on all horizontal branches firstly near the tree trunk, then with tree age, further along the branches. They occur in clusters at each leaf stem.
Growing conditions: The strong, attractive, evergreen Mundu tree can grow to a height of 7 metres. It is very upright with a central trunk, and uniform symmetrical side branches, forming a beautiful conical shape. The leaves are 30cm long, glossy, and leathery, with new leaves having a light brown or pale pink color. The Mundu likes a warm, moist subtropical, or tropical climate. It can tolerate some frost, and can be planted in the sun or shade. Protect the young tree from heavy frost and hot sun. The soil should be enriched with plenty of organic matter. Mulch around the tree, water regularly during the growing season and feed the tree with rich compost or manure.
Uses: Eat the fruit fresh, in fruit salads, or savoury salads. It is best in sorbets, cakes, and cheesecake. It is rich in phosphorus, vitamins B and C, and calcium.
Medicinal uses:
Pollination requirements: Self-Pollinating.
Harvest time Spring to Autumn. Each fruit takes over 4 months to grow to maturity. Pick the fruit when colour indicates it is ripe and the fruit gives slightly when gently squeezed. Unripe fruit cannot ripen after it is picked. The fruit keeps well for at room temperature, but does not like being refrigerated. Flavour is delicious, tangy and sweet, and plenty of juice.
Plant relatives Garcinia brasiliensis, the common name is Bakupari
Garcinia madrono, the common name is Madrono
Garcinia livingstonei, the common name is Imbe
Special features:
Grown by method: Seed Grown Pot size: 140mm
Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows to 3 metres high by 2 metres wide if Planted in a Pot. Grows 7 metres high by 4 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.
Shipping plant pot or planter bag size:
