The mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical plant originating from Southeast Asia, known for its delicious fruit, rich in benefits, and thrives in warm and humid climates.
The mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana) is one of the tropical plants known for its delicious fruit and many benefits.
This plant originates from Southeast Asia and has spread to various regions in the world. Mangosteen is often referred to as the “queen of fruits”, because it has a unique taste and is beneficial for health.
This article will discuss the origin, classification, morphological characteristics, and habitat of the mangosteen tree in more depth.
Origin and History of the Distribution of the Mangosteen Tree
The mangosteen tree was first discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770 in the Jakarta area. He was an English explorer who then brought this plant to Europe. Since 1789, mangosteen fruit has become known to the British people.
The distribution of mangosteen is not only limited to England, but also extends to various other regions, including:
- Pacific Islands and Antilles (late 18th century)
- Sri Lanka (1880)
- India (19th century)
- Australia (1854)
- Madagascar (1901)
Currently, mangosteen trees have spread widely and become one of the plants that are widely cultivated in various tropical regions.
Many people seek out this fruit not only for its delicious taste but also for the Benefits of Mangosteen, which include its rich antioxidants and potential health-boosting properties.
Scientific Classification of Mangosteen Trees
The mangosteen tree has many names in various countries. In the Netherlands it is called Manggistan, in Germany it is known as Mangastane, in Portugal it is called Mangustao, and in India it is called Mangustan.
Scientifically, the mangosteen tree is included in the following classification:
- Division: Tracheophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Malpighiales
- Family: Clusiaceae
- Genus: Garcinia
- Species: Garcinia mangostana
The genus Garcinia has around 400 species originating from East India, the Malay Peninsula, and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.
Morphological Characteristics of the Mangosteen Tree
The mangosteen tree has a structure consisting of vegetative organs and generative organs.
- Vegetative organs → consist of roots, stems, and leaves, which function in taking, transporting, and storing food.
- Generative organs → consist of flowers, seeds, and fruits, which play a role in plant reproduction.
Here are the characteristics of the mangosteen tree based on its parts:
A. Roots
The mangosteen tree has two types of root systems, namely:
- Taproot → Commonly found in mangosteen trees that grow from seeds. This root is strong and extends deep into the ground.
- Fibrous roots → Found in grafted mangosteen trees. This root is weaker and extends shallowly into the ground.
- Mangosteen roots grow slowly, and under certain conditions, can wilt or even die if the environment is not supportive.
B. Stem
- Includes perennial plants with a long life.
- Always green all year round.
- Can reach 6-20 meters in height.
- The stem is upright, the skin is uneven, brown in color, and has yellow sap.
C. Leaves
- Single leaves are oval or oblong in shape.
- The upper part of the leaves is shiny green, while the lower part is yellowish.
- Has very short leaf stalks and no supporting leaves.
D. Flowers
Flowers appear at the tips of twigs, in pairs on short, thick stalks.
Has four petals in two pairs:
- The two outer petals are yellowish green.
- Two inner petals are red.
- Mangosteen flowers usually appear between May and January.
E. Flower Crown
- There are four flower crowns shaped like upside-down eggs.
- Yellowish green with red edges, or completely red.
- The sterile stamens (staminodia) are inside the calyx.
F. Mangosteen fruit
- The shape of the fruit is round and pointed.
- When young, the skin of the fruit is green, and will turn purplish red when ripe.
- The ribs at the end of the fruit are star-shaped, indicating the number of fruit flesh segments present.
- The number of fruit flesh segments ranges from 4-8 parts.
- The color of the fruit flesh is pure white, with a sweet and slightly sour taste.
G. Fruit Skin
- Very thick, reaching one third of the fruit.
- Contains yellow sap that tastes bitter.
- The fruit seeds are round, flat and have two cotyledons.
Habitat and Distribution of Mangosteen Trees
1. Mangosteen Tree Habitat
Mangosteen trees thrive in tropical areas with the following conditions:
- Lots of sunlight
- High humidity
- Short dry season
During the dry season, a good irrigation system is essential to maintain soil moisture.
2. Ideal Height and Temperature
- Can grow up to an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level.
- Optimal temperature 20° – 40°C.
- Best growth occurs in the lowlands.
3. Distribution of Mangosteen Trees
Currently, mangosteen trees can be found in various parts of the world, such as:
- Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines)
- Forest areas of Kalimantan and the Malay Peninsula
- Central America and the Caribbean
- Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Hawaii, and Northern Australia
Conclusion
The mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical plant originating from Southeast Asia and has spread to various parts of the world. This plant has various benefits, especially its fruit which is known to have a unique taste and health benefits.
As a plant that requires high humidity and sufficient sunlight, mangosteen thrives in tropical areas with good irrigation systems.
Its unique characteristics, such as thick-skinned fruit, sweet white flesh, and distinctive root system, make it one of the most sought-after cultivated plants.
Additionally, the Benefits of Mangosteen Peel are widely recognized for their high antioxidant content and potential health benefits, making this fruit even more valuable.
Due to its high demand in the international market, mangosteen cultivation has great economic potential for farmers in tropical areas.
