Garcinia indica ( Kokum Tree ) is a fruiting, evergreen tree that is native to the Western Ghats region of India. The Kokum tree is closely related to the Mangosteen and is grown for medicinal, culinary and industrial purposes. It grows in poor soils, is slightly drought tolerant and makes an ornamental shade tree. Since the turn of the century Kokum Tree has been studied for its anti-cancer activity. The rind of the fruit is often used as a substitute for Tamarinds.
Suitable for Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Other common names include the Black Kokam, Cocum, Goa Butter Tree and Fish Tamarind.
The sour fruits are popular in southern India but due to their short shelf life (4-5 days) have not become a commercial success. However, the cosmetic industry and medicinal properties of the rind and fruit have prompted many farms across the tropical world to grow commercially.
Growth
Garcinia indica is a slow growing fruit tree that reaches heights of up to 20 metres (66 feet). The Kokum Tree is cultivated in tropical regions around the world for the butter that is yielded from the seeds. Trees of all ages are damaged by frost and prefer warm, humid climates that range between 19-35°C / 66°-95°F. In their native range, it is common to see heavy annual rainfalls of 2000-5000mm.
Kokum leaves are lance or elongated oval to 10 cm (4 inches) and can appear crimson red before turning a dark glossy green. The trunk is slim and the tree has a low-branching habit under a pyramid style crown. Flowers are small with waxy pink petals and are either female or male on separate trees. One male tree can fertilise up to 10 female trees in close proximity. It is impossible to identify which sex the tree will become from the seeds.
Flowers appear in the dry season before a heavy cluster of fruit on the female trees. Each fruit contains 3-8 seeds and can weigh between 20-85 grams. Mature trees yield on average 12 kgs (26 pounds) of fruit annually.
When cultivated on commercial farms in India, the trees don’t require any fertilizer, irrigation systems or treatment for pests.
FAMILY:
Clusiaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
19 to 35°C / 66° to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, well draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 20 metres (66 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 7 metres (22 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Slow Growing
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Medium
POLLINATION:
Requires a male and female flower to cross and they grow on separate trees.
MATURITY:
8-20 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks, but can take up to 6 months
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 4
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT GARCINIA INDICA (Kokum Tree)
