Mangosteen, scientifically known as Garcinia mangostana, is a fruiting tree from the Clusiaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, this tree is highly valued for its creamy white interior, which is encased in a dark purple rind. Often referred to as the 'queen of fruits' due to its exceptional taste and medicinal properties, mangosteen thrives in specific tropical climates, leading to limited large-scale production. In India, the major cultivation areas for mangosteen are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Specific Characteristics and Growth Conditions
Mangosteen is an evergreen tree, slow-growing and medium-sized. It thrives in humid tropical climates. This tree can grow in frost-free areas with an equatorial climate. The requirement of altitude and annual rainfall is 400–900 meters and 180–250 cm respectively. It prefers deep and well-drained soil which is rich in organic matter. The leaves are thick, leathery, and dark green. The color of the flowers is pink.
The fruits mature after 120–128 days from the fruit set. The fruits usually ripen in July-August in southern India. The annual production of fruits is approximately 40–60 kg from a mature tree. The mature trees age would be about 15 years old. Mature fruits are dark purple with a smooth surface and rounded. The measurement of fruit is 3.4–7.5 cm in diameter. The pulp is white like snow, juicy, and sweet which have a distinct flavor.
Mangosteen Cultivation and Propagation
The mangosteen is quite challenging to cultivate. The slow growth and its requirements for particular environments make it a little tough to cultivate. In Southeast Asia, several cultivars exist with big leaves and fruit of various sizes.
Propagation is traditionally by seeds. The seeds are parthenocarpic (seedless) and still viable. Grafting is also possible and accelerates the fruiting period. Seedlings are planted at a spacing of 6×6 mete. The trees begin flowering 8–10 years after planting. The grafted trees flower sooner at 7–8 years.
Pests and Diseases
Pests such as leaf eaters, leaf miners, and fruit borers affect the mangosteen. Other diseases include leaf blight, Diplodia fruit rot, and brown root disease. Good pest and disease management is important to get healthy yields by using bio-control agents.
Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits
Mangosteen is a delicious fruit, It is also a powerhouse of nutrition and medicinal value. Its rind contains xanthones, which have stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit is healthy with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Decoctions and infusions of its peel and seeds are used for the treatment of skin infections, urinary tract-related ailments, and gastric disorders in the traditional medicinal context. Mangosteen is used to treat conditions including diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, and chronic ulcers. The fruit is an effective remedy against inflammatory diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties help to treat diseases like arthritis, and several skin disorders including acne.
Processed Products
Mangosteen is versatile, It can be processed into different products for a longer shelf life and more usage. These products include jams, jellies, squashes, and canned fruits. This not only gives value to the fruit, It also provides avenues for farmers and entrepreneurs to tap into niche markets.
Economic Significance
Mangosteen is valued for its outstanding taste and low production volume. The current market value of mangosteen is Rs. 600/kg. A mature tree yields good economic returns in the field. The yield also depends on a sustainable cultivation process. Ever-growing demand in both domestic and international markets indicates good potential crops for high-income yields.
Mangosteen is one of nature's best fruits. The fruit has amazing flavor, nutritional value, and therapeutic qualities. Although it is not widely grown in India, its economic and medicinal value makes it a viable crop for areas with the right climate. Farmers may increase their revenue and help meet the rising demand for this royal fruit. They can increase their diverse income stream using sustainable techniques and growing the mangosteen crop.
