James Farwell

Garcinia sp. Luc's (a.k.a. Mexican Mangosteen) Seeds

$4.00

Garcinia sp. Luc's (a.k.a. Mexican Mangosteen) is a tree that grows wild in Mexico. Luc Vleeracker, a collector in Mexico, played a role in distributing the plant starting around 2010 and the species began to be known as "Luc's Garcinia" amongst collectors. The tree bole grows in the shape of a Christmas tree with branches protruding out at strict 90 degree angles where branches emerge opposite from each other. The tree has been fruited in South Florida at 11 years old and it may fruit sooner in more tropical climates. The tree may be dioecious and also apomictic. The tree is often compared to Garcinia humilis (Achachairu) but with bigger fruit, bigger seeds (Luc's at 11.0 grams vs 4.5 grams for G. humilis), more edible flesh, and thinner skin. The taste has been described applesauce with pear and lemon tones. The pulp, when very ripe, can have a soft melting texture that is softer than Garcinia humilis (Achachairu) and does not cling that badly to the seed. The rind can be used to create a beverage with some added sugar. The tree benefits from growing in full to partial shade until at least 2 meters tall.