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Botanical Name: Garcinia pedunculata
Common Names: Bor-Thekera, Malabar Tamarind, Amlavetasa, Gambooge
Bor-Thekera, botanically known as Garcinia pedunculata, is an evergreen fruit tree admired both for its ornamental appeal and its remarkable health benefits. Native to the lush forests of Northeastern India, particularly Assam, Meghalaya, and parts of Tripura, this plant belongs to the same family as the famed mangosteen. While not as globally known, Bor-Thekera enjoys a revered status in indigenous diets and traditional medicine.
It is a slow-growing, medium-height tree with a dense canopy and a beautifully fluted trunk. Its spreading branches give it a majestic look, making it an aesthetic addition to any fruit garden or home orchard.
The fruits are round to disc-shaped, and often appear in radiant shades of yellow to orange-yellow when ripe.
The outer skin is smooth, slightly glossy, and encases a soft, juicy interior.
Inside, the pulp is tangy with a mild citrus-like sourness, complemented by a gentle sweetness when fully ripe.
Each fruit contains edible arils that are also used in dried or semi-dried form.
When sliced and sun-dried, the fruit turns leathery and dark, concentrating its flavour — ideal for storage and versatile culinary use.
India (Assamese): Bor-Thekera
Sri Lanka: Goraka
Thailand: Ma-kham-pom
Bangladesh: Amlavetasa
These regional names reflect the plant's widespread presence in traditional cuisines and health practices across Southeast Asia.
Bor-Thekera is a powerhouse of nutrients and bioactive compounds:
Rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and supports skin health
Contains essential minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium
Loaded with antioxidants, flavonoids, and hydroxycitric acid (HCA)
Known for anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties
Its natural compounds contribute not only to nutrition but also to therapeutic applications.
The dried slices of Bor-Thekera have long been used in folk remedies:
Digestive aid: Eases flatulence, colic pain, and helps in regulating bowel movement
Cardiac support: Acts as a mild tonic for heart health
Natural cleanser: Helps detoxify the digestive and urinary systems
Anti-diabetic properties: Helps manage blood sugar levels
Anti-microbial: Fights fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections
Nephroprotective and neuroprotective: Supports kidney and brain function
In traditional Assamese households, dried slices are also given to children with indigestion and to elders experiencing joint inflammation.
The fruit's tartness makes it ideal for preparing soups, stews, lentils, and herbal teas.
In Assam and nearby regions, it's commonly added to dal (lentils) or meat-based dishes for a zesty, sour profile.
Dried slices are soaked in water to create a tangy drink, used as an appetite stimulant or a cooling summer beverage.
When sun-dried and preserved well, it lasts for months and develops a rich, complex flavour.
The taste is uniquely refreshing — sour, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic, making it a healthy alternative to tamarind or kokum.
Climate: Prefers humid tropical and subtropical climates
Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter
Sunlight: Needs partial to full sunlight
Watering: Requires regular but not excessive watering, especially during dry spells
Fruiting Time: Begins fruiting after 8 to 10 years of planting
It is a moderate-maintenance tree, suitable for home gardens, orchards, or exotic plant collections. It responds well to organic care and seasonal pruning to enhance shape and yield.
In many Assamese kitchens, Bor-Thekera slices are preserved through traditional sun-drying methods and stored in earthen containers or glass jars. These preserved slices are considered household remedies for indigestion or to add zing to meals during monsoons and winters.
Culturally, the fruit is offered during Bihu feasts and is an essential part of tribal medicine in the hill regions of Northeast India. It’s a fruit steeped in local memory and respected for its holistic benefits.
Whether you wish to enjoy its tangy pulp in a lentil soup, sip a healing infusion made from its dried slices, or plant a legacy tree in your fruit garden — Bor-Thekera offers more than just flavour. It’s a fruit of tradition, health, and long-standing cultural reverence.
Its charming appearance, slow but graceful growth, and deeply nourishing benefits make it a beautiful companion in a conscious lifestyle. Having this plant in your garden is like holding a piece of time-tested wisdom close to your home.
Veliyath Gardens offers healthy, well-maintained Bor-Thekera fruit plants for those who value natural wellness and botanical diversity. As this rare gem gains attention beyond its native forests, you now have the opportunity to grow it in your own garden — a meaningful step toward natural living.
