Gamboge

Galinsoga pequeña

Name Garcinia afzelii

Family: Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Common Names: African mangosteen, Bush mangosteen, Gamboge

Local Names: African mangosteen, Bush mangosteen

Morphological Description: Garcinia afzelii is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters. It has a dense, rounded crown and a straight trunk with smooth bark that is greyish-brown in color. The leaves are glossy, leathery, and oblong, with a dark green upper surface and a lighter green underside. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that are usually yellowish-green in color. The fruit of Garcinia afzelii is round to ovoid and can range in size from 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. When ripe, the fruit turns yellow or orange and contains multiple segments filled with juicy pulp and seeds.

Useful Part(s): The useful part of Garcinia afzelii is primarily its fruit.

General Uses:

  • Culinary Uses: The ripe fruit of Garcinia afzelii is edible and has a tangy, acidic taste. It is used in traditional cuisines of the regions where it grows. The fruit pulp can be eaten fresh or used in the preparation of juices, jams, jellies, and sauces.

  • Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, various parts of Garcinia afzelii are used for their potential medicinal properties. The fruit, bark, and leaves are employed to treat conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, skin infections, and fever.

Geographic Distribution: Garcinia afzelii is native to tropical and subtropical regions of West and Central Africa. It is found in countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Within its native range, it grows in rainforests and other moist habitats.

Why Is It Green? Like all plants, Garcinia afzelii appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. The green color of chlorophyll allows plants to absorb light energy efficiently for the synthesis of carbohydrates and other organic compounds.

Environmental Impact: Garcinia afzelii is not known to have significant negative environmental impacts. It is a native tree species in its natural habitat and plays a role in the local ecosystems. However, excessive harvesting of the tree for its fruit or other purposes could potentially impact its populations and the biodiversity of the region.

Fun Fact: In some regions, the fruit of Garcinia afzelii is known as the "African mangosteen" due to its resemblance to the mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana) found in Southeast Asia. Despite the similarity in name, the two fruits come from different plant species.

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