Pungara Fruit Plant (Garcinia macrophylla)

Garcinia macrophylla (Pungara)

Common Names: Pungara, Bacuripari.

Botanical Name: Garcinia macrophylla

General Information:

Family: Clusiaceae

Native Range: Southern Mexico, Guatemala, northern South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas), Caribbean (Trinidad).

Size: Evergreen tree, 8-12 meters tall, with stiff, leathery leaves.

Fruit: Rounded-conical, pointed at one or both ends, about 8 cm wide, thick yellow rind (smooth or rough), contains gummy yellow latex.

Edibility: Fruits can be eaten raw or made into jam; the white, aril-like pulp has a sweet subacid flavor.

Habitat: Amazonian montane forests, altitudes of 50–400 m.

Climate Requirements: Thrives in climates with mean annual temperatures of 26–28 °C and mean annual rainfall of 1,500–4,000 mm.

Culinary Use: The fruit is very popular within its native range; commonly gathered from the wild and sometimes cultivated for widespread sale in native markets.

Traditional Medicinal Uses: The genus Garcinia, to which Garcinia macrophylla belongs, is traditionally used for various purposes, including treating dysentery, rheumatism, inflammation, and as an antiparasitic or antimicrobial medication.

Cultivation Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 4-5 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate