Garcinia Madrono
(Madroņo)
Other Names: Bumpy Lemon, Charichuela
Related To: [Clusiaceae] Mangosteen, Mameyito, Imbe
Main Uses: Fruit
Growth Rate: Slow in it's early years, graduating to moderate
after 4 years. Like many garcinias, the growth is "exponential;" the
bigger it is, the faster it grows.
Mature Height/Spread: Small tree with large glossy leaves.
Flowering/Pollination: Female trees will set fruit on their own.
A male tree will increase fruit production substantially.
Tolerance: Intolerant of salt, and moderately tolerant of drought
once established.
Soil/Nutrition: Slightly acidic, well drained. Micronutrients are
must with this species, which can be prone to iron deficiency.
Light: Shade to full sun. Fruits well in shade or dappled
sunlight.
Wind: Fairly sturdy.
Temperature: Though it is certainly more cold hardy than it's
famous relative, the mangosteen, g. madrono will not tolerate
temperatures below freezing for very long. Often shows delayed cold
damage after a light frost event. Has been successfully grown and
fruited in coastal southern Florida by many rare fruit enthusiasts.
Dangers: None.
Diseases Prone:
Bearing Age: 4-6 years from seed.
Fruit: Small, bumpy lemon shaped fruits, with segmented flesh
inside. The flesh has an excellent flavor aptly described as "lemon
cotton candy."
History/Origin: Native to moist Central American regions, from
southern Mexico to Panama.
Species Observations: Bill Whitman called this species "charichuela,"
a common name often attributed to other, closely related garcinia
species.
Propogation: Typically by seeds.
Container Culture: Container culture is possible eventually
reaching a 25 gallon container. Due to their slow growth, these
small trees can be kept a manageable size for some time.
Medicinal Uses: Unknown
Nutritional Information:
Preparation / Food: Interesting fruits are eaten fresh, often
chilled. |
