mangosteen

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit tree in the Clusiaceae family. It is native to the humid forests of Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and the Philippines, and it is cultivated in other tropical regions for its edible fruit.

The fruit is round to slightly oblate, about 4–8 cm in diameter, with a thick, purple rind that is inedible and bitter. The rind encloses white, juicy segments that form the edible arils around the seeds. The flesh is sweet and tangy with a fragrant aroma, often described as a blend of citrus and peach.

Mangosteen grows best in hot, humid tropical conditions with well-drained, acidic soils. It is a slow-growing tree that typically requires several years to bear fruit and often benefits from shade early in life. The fruits ripen on the tree and are delicate; after harvest, shelf life is short and handling is critical. Commercial production emphasizes careful postharvest handling and, in some cases, processing into frozen pulp or juice to extend usability.

Uses include fresh consumption and incorporation into juices, desserts, and confectionery. The rind contains xanthones and other phenolic compounds studied for antioxidant activity, but no proven medical benefits are established.

Economically, mangosteen is a premium fruit in Southeast Asia and a specialty export in other tropical regions, with production concentrated in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Cultivar diversity and harvest timing vary by region.