Garcinia hombroniana (Seashore Mangosteen) Seeds
Garcinia hombroniana (Seashore Mangosteen)
Originally from sandy and salty coastal areas in southeast Asia, Seashore Mangosteen is now being grown in USDA zones 10a and warmer. Productive 25' tall specimens in the ground at the Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, FL originally encouraged our farm to grow this species. We have had several trees in the ground since they were around 3' tall and they are doing well. Like all Garcinias, they prefer partial or even heavy shade but can tolerate full sun at a much younger age. The handsome red fruit have a flavor similar to purple mangosteen (luscious peach) but slightly more tart and with a hint of banana. The tree is a heavy producer once in production. They are dioecious, meaning you will need male and female trees, so plan on planting several together. While they are more tolerant than other Garcinias of temperatures below 40 degrees Farenheit, they will not tolerate a frost. Container culture or zone 10a or warmer in the ground.
Garcinia seeds can take 3-6 months to germinate so patience is required.