Garcinia pedunculata

Garcinia pedunculata is an evergreen tree related to the purple mangosteen. The tree is endemic to the south-eastern regions of Asia such as parts of Myanmar, Bangladesh and north-eastern parts of India. It is popularly known in India as Amlavetasa, in Bangladesh as Thoikor or Taikor and in Assam as Bor Thekera.

Tree and fruit

The tree has a fluted trunk with short spreading branches. Leaves are lanceolate with prominent midribs. Male flowers are light green in sparsely flowered panicles. The female flowers are solitary. The roundish fruit has a diameter ranging between 8 and 12 cm. It has a juicy interior with edible arils.

Uses

The ripe fruit is eaten cooked or raw. Usually the ripe or raw fruits are sliced, sun-dried and preserved. In the state of Assam the fruit is used in cooking to add a sour flavour.