Garcinia manni

NAME: Garcinia manni

FAMILY: Clusiaceae

COMMON NAMES: Mann's Garcinia, African Mangosteen

LOCAL NAMES: Okuta, Okok

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Garcinia manni is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach a height of about 15 to 20 meters (49 to 66 feet). It has a straight trunk covered with smooth, grayish-brown bark. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and elliptical, with a prominent midrib. The tree produces small, yellow flowers that give way to round or ovoid fruits, similar in appearance to mangosteen, with a thick rind. The flesh of the fruit is juicy and typically reddish-orange when ripe.

USEFUL PART(s): The fruit of Garcinia manni is the most commonly used part of the plant.

GENERAL USES:

  1. Culinary Use: The fruit of Garcinia manni is edible and has a pleasant, tangy taste. It can be consumed fresh or used in the preparation of juices, jams, desserts, and other culinary creations.

  2. Traditional Medicine: Garcinia manni has been used in traditional medicine in some regions. Various parts of the plant, including the leaves and bark, are believed to possess medicinal properties. They are used to treat ailments such as fever, stomach disorders, and skin conditions. However, scientific studies on its medicinal properties are limited.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Garcinia manni is native to tropical rainforests in West and Central Africa. It can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, and Congo.

WHY IS IT GREEN? Like other plants, Garcinia manni is green due to the presence of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the leaves of plants that absorbs sunlight and enables photosynthesis. Through photosynthesis, plants convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen, which fuels their growth and allows them to produce their own food.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Garcinia manni, as a tree species, contributes to the biodiversity and ecological balance of its native rainforest habitats. It provides habitat for various organisms and helps maintain the overall health of the forest ecosystem. However, deforestation and unsustainable logging practices can pose a threat to the natural habitat of Garcinia manni, leading to habitat loss and potential negative impacts on local biodiversity.

FUN FACT: The fruit of Garcinia manni is often referred to as the "African Mangosteen" due to its resemblance to the Southeast Asian mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). However, these two species are not closely related.

Further Reading: If you're interested in learning more about Garcinia manni and its characteristics, here are a few suggested resources for further reading:

  1. Ndoye, F. S., et al. "The Domestication of Garcinia mannii (Guttiferae): Traditional Knowledge and Community-Based Forest Management of a Medicinal Plant Tree in Southeast Cameroon." Economic Botany 65, no. 4 (2011): 381-393.

  2. Lengkeek, A. G., et al. "Distribution and conservation status of Garcinia mannii Oliv. (Clusiaceae), a valuable non-timber forest tree species in Central Africa." Plant Ecology and Evolution 146, no. 1 (2013): 95-103.

  3. Keay, R. W. J. "Clusiaceae." In Flora of West Tropical Africa, Vol. 2, edited