The mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical plant originating from Southeast Asia, has a history of widespread distribution, unique characteristics, and thrives in warm and humid climates.
The mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical plant widely known for its delicious and nutritious fruit. Dubbed the “queen of fruits”, mangosteen has thick purple skin with sweet and refreshing white flesh.
In addition to having high economic value, this plant also has a long history of its distribution to various parts of the world.
This article will review in depth the origin, classification, morphological characteristics, and habitat of the mangosteen tree.
Origin and Distribution of the Mangosteen Tree
The mangosteen tree was first documented by Captain James Cook in 1770 while exploring Jakarta. This British explorer then brought the mangosteen plant to Europe, and since 1789, the mangosteen fruit has become known to the British people.
Over time, the mangosteen tree began to be introduced to various regions in the world, including:
- Pacific Islands and Antilles (18th century)
- Sri Lanka (1880)
- India (19th century)
- Australia (1854)
- Madagascar (1901)
Now, the mangosteen tree is one of the most widely cultivated tropical plants, especially in Southeast Asia. This is due to the numerous Benefits of Mangosteen, including its high antioxidant content and various health-promoting properties.
Scientific Classification of Mangosteen Trees
The mangosteen tree is known by various names in the world, such as Manggistan in the Netherlands, Mangastane in Germany, Mangustao in Portugal, and Mangustan in India.
Scientifically, the mangosteen tree is classified as follows:
- Division: Tracheophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Malpighiales
- Family: Clusiaceae
- Genus: Garcinia
- Species: Garcinia mangostana
The genus Garcinia includes about 400 species, most of which are native to East India, the Malay Peninsula, and Southeast Asia.
Morphological Characteristics of Mangosteen Trees
Mangosteen trees have a structure that is divided into vegetative organs (roots, stems, and leaves) and generative organs (flowers, seeds, and fruits).
1. Roots
Mangosteen trees have two types of root systems, namely:
- Taproot → Commonly found in plants that grow from seeds. This root is strong and goes deep into the soil.
- Fibrous roots → Found in grafted plants. This root is shallower and less sturdy than the taproot.
Mangosteen tree roots grow slowly, and under certain conditions can wilt or die if the environment is not supportive.
2. Stem
- Includes perennial plants with a long life.
- Always green all year round.
- Tree height reaches 6-20 meters.
- The trunk is upright, brown, and produces yellow sap.
3. Leaves
- Single leaves are oval to oblong in shape.
- The upper part of the leaf is shiny green, while the lower part is yellowish.
- Has a short leaf stalk and no supporting leaves.
4. Flowers
Appear at the end of branches in pairs with short and thick stalks.
- Has four petals, with varying colors:
- Two outer petals → yellowish green.
- Two inner petals → red.
The flowering season occurs between May and January.
5. Flower Crowns
- There are four crowns, shaped like an inverted egg.
- The color varies from yellowish green with red edges to completely red.
- Infertile stamens (staminodia) are found in the petals.
6. Mangosteen
- Round shape with segments.
- The skin of young fruit is green, then turns purplish red when ripe.
- The star-shaped segments at the tip of the fruit indicate the number of fruit flesh segments.
- The fruit flesh is pure white, with a sweet and slightly sour taste.
7. Fruit Skin
- Thick, about a third of the size of the fruit.
- Contains bitter yellow sap.
- The seeds are round and flat and have two cotyledons.
Habitat and Distribution of Mangosteen Trees
1. Ideal Conditions for Growth
Mangosteen trees grow optimally in tropical areas with the following conditions:
Sufficient exposure to sunlight
- High humidity
- Short dry season
During the dry season, a good irrigation system is needed to maintain soil moisture.
2. Suitable Altitude and Temperature
- Grows up to 1000 meters above sea level.
- Ideal temperature between 20° – 40°C.
- Best growth in the lowlands.
3. Global Distribution
Mangosteen trees are now found in various parts of the world, including:
- Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines)
- Borneo and the Malay Peninsula
- Central America and the Caribbean
- Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Hawaii, Northern Australia
Conclusion
Mangosteen trees (Garcinia mangostana) are tropical plants originating from Southeast Asia and have now spread to various regions.
With unique characteristics such as thick fruit skin, sweet white fruit flesh, and a distinctive root system, this plant is one of the high-value commodities.
As a plant that requires high humidity and sufficient exposure to sunlight, mangosteen trees thrive in tropical areas with good irrigation systems.
Due to high demand in the international market, mangosteen cultivation has great potential to improve the economy of farmers in tropical areas.
Additionally, the Benefits of Mangosteen Peel—rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties—further enhance its value, making it a highly sought-after commodity in both health and beauty industries.
