Garcinia nitida
Garcinia nitida, also known as kandis hutan, is a species of flowering plant, a dioecious understorey fruit tree in the mangosteen family, that is native to Southeast Asia.[1]
| Garcinia nitida | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Clusiaceae |
| Genus: | Garcinia |
| Species: | G. nitida |
| Binomial name | |
| Garcinia nitida | |
Description
The tree grows to 30 m in height, with a 2–6 m bole and small fluted buttresses. The smooth oval leaves are 6–10 cm long by 3–4 cm wide. The white to cream flowers are 4-petalled. The fruits are oval berries, 3–4 cm by 2.5–3 cm in diameter, ripening from yellow to pale orange, enclosing light brown seeds covered with a translucent, edible, sour arillode.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to Borneo, where it is found in lowland and hill mixed dipterocarp forest up to an elevation of 900 m.[1]
Usage
The species is not commonly cultivated. The sour rind and pulp of the fruits are used as a substitute for tamarind in condiments with cooked rice, fish and curries, as well as in jam and sweetened drinks.
References
- Lamb, Anthony (2019). A guide to wild fruits of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu: Natural History Publications (Borneo). p. 88. ISBN 978-983-812-191-0.