Yellow Mangosteen is scientifically known as Garcinia xanthochymus. It is locally known as Mysore Gamboge or Sour Mangosteen. It is native to India and Myanmar and is widely distributed in regions like Assam, Bengal, Odisha, and the Western Ghats. This medium-sized, evergreen tree grows up to 8 meters and is recognized for its attractive crown and large, leathery leaves. The tree is primarily cultivated semi-wild, with limited organized plantations, and offers significant untapped potential for commercial farming.
Key Features of Yellow Mangosteen
Its bright yellow-orange fruits are sweet to sour in taste so the fruits are usually used in the preparation of jams, squashes, and dried flakes. Each fruit contains one to five seeds, and the pulp is highly nutritious and delicious. The tree is a viable contender for further cultivation and use due to its adaptability and therapeutic usefulness.
Health Benefits
The yellow mangosteen is very rich in phytochemicals, xanthones, flavonoids, and tannins, all of which contribute to its impressive health benefits. It is used in folk medicine traditionally because of its antibacterial, antimalarial, and anticancer properties—specific compounds like benzophenones and guttiferone H aid in preventing colon and breast cancer. Furthermore, the fruit is utilized as a value-added product in both traditional and modern medicine to treat digestive issues, increase appetite, and aid in the removal of pollutants.
Propagation and Irrigation
The propagation of yellow mangosteen is done through seeds, cuttings, grafting, and root suckers. The most widely used method is seed propagation; Seeds are viable for a short period only so they must be sown directly after extraction so the germination rate increases. It grows best in humid tropical climates and so must be watered efficiently, especially during dry seasons, so it can sustain healthy growth and higher yields.
Manure and Fertilizers
Yellow mangosteen benefits from organic farming practices. Compost and farmyard manure can be used to increase fruit quality and output. Organic compound usage ensures long-term production and sustainable soil health.
Flowering, Pollination, and Fruiting
The tree typically takes seven to eight years to flower after planting, with May through September being the flowering season. Although the fruits are thought to be parthenocarpic, pollination may still contribute to triggering fruit sets. Fruits ripen 100-120 days after flowering and turn bright yellow when ripe. The fruits need proper watering and harvesting time to avoid fruit drop and maintain quality.
Maturity, Harvesting, and Yield
The mature fruits are bright yellow and can be kept for up to a week at room temperature. A 15-year-old tree can produce 20-30 kg of fruit annually. The fruits are hand-picked and can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from making preserves and chutneys to being dried into flakes for extended storage.
Post-Harvest Handling, Value Addition, Storage, and Marketing
Yellow mangosteen has the following value-addition avenues: fruits are turned into jams, squashes, and chutneys, helping to sustain the fruit over time and capture a bigger market share. The rinds can be dried and used as a tamarind substitute in curries. The market value of this fruit is Rs. 400-500/kg. Proper post-harvest handling and storage will help properly package the fruit, enhancing its appeal to both domestic and international markets.
(Price fluctuation can happen according to region, season, and availability).
Yellow mangosteen is a highly adaptable and valuable crop. It has great potential for full cultivation and even revenue growth. Its health benefits and grows well in humid tropical climates which makes it one of the ideal crops to use in sustainable agriculture. Farmers will get the opportunity to diversify their crops, tap new markets, and play a role in building a more resilient agricultural economy once they explore its full potential.
