Mangosteen
Garcinia mangostana
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Pl. 4795 — Garcinia mangostana
Garcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostanaGarcinia mangostana
IOverview
Overview
Mangosteen, scientifically known as Garcinia mangostana, is a tree native to Borneo and Malaya. This evergreen tree can grow up to 12 meters in height and thrives in moist, medium to heavy clay soils, requiring full or partial sun. The fruit of the mangosteen is highly prized for its edible flesh, which is often enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications. One distinctive feature of this plant is its deep purple pericarp, which encases the sweet, white aril inside. Another notable characteristic is its hardiness, making it suitable for cultivation in USDA zones 10-12.
Quick answers
What is Mangosteen?
Mangosteen, scientifically known as Garcinia mangostana, is a tree native to Borneo and Malaya. This evergreen tree can grow up to 12 meters in height and thrives in moist, medium to heavy clay soils, requiring full or partial sun.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The mangosteen thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be medium or heavy (clay). It is hardy in tropical regions, specifically zones 11-12. For propagation, the gardener can use seeds. This tree grows up to 12 meters tall and produces edible fruit and seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
11-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mangosteen for the first time
8steps
Start with a young mangosteen tree for the best beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young mangosteen sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently above 20°C (68°F) and there is no risk of frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix with some sand or perlite added for extra drainage. Ensure the container has good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the young sapling into its permanent location, ensuring it is planted at the same depth as in its nursery pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the plant in a partially shaded area during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when they turn dark purple and are slightly soft to touch.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:DyeLumberTanninTeeth
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 16 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 16 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native· 16 introduced
Asia8 regions
introduced (8)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarPhilippinesVietnam
Broader regions
native:Borneo, Malaya
introduced:Hainan, Lesser Sunda Is., Maluku, Queensland, Solomon Is., Sumatera, Trinidad-Tobago
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 47951078-bd49-48f5-8e6f-d457af328d38
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