Bacupari

Garcinia brasiliensis

Physical Characteristics

Garcinia brasiliensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, eastern Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, French Guiana.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw. The aril-like translucent subacid white pulp has an excellent flavour, suggesting that of the mangosteen[46 , 301 ]. A highly prized fruit, usually eaten fresh but also makes an excellent jam[46 , 301 ]. The ovate fruit may be 32 - 40mm long, with an orange-yellow, pliable, leathery, tough skin, 3 mm thick that is easily removed[332 ].

Medicinal Uses

Narcotic Poultice The seeds contain 8 to 9% oil (by weight), which is used in poultices on wounds, whitlows, tumours and, externally, over an enlarged liver[336 ]. An infusion of the pulp has a narcotic action with an effect like that of nicotine[336 ]. The root bark extract contains rheediaxanthone and a polyprenylated benzophenone, other lesser constituents, and 3 new prenylated xanthones[336 ].

Known Hazards

None known