Native to Malaysia and Indonesia, this is well suited to tropical and sub-tropical climates, including warm areas of the U.S.
If given sufficient space, these fruit trees have a lot to offer. Their compact growth habit and slow growth rate makes them suitable for the landscape.
The mangosteen requires a well drained soil, though it isn't particular as to the type. Thriving near bodies of water, such as lakes, it likes lots of rainfall and humidity.
As with all plants, there is one drawback to the mangosteen. Generally, they will not begin bearing until they are perhaps ten years or more of age. On Dominica, the government's botanic station reported in 1911 that their trees began bearing in their 13th year. Around 1914, historical reports indicated that those planted at Government House gardens in Trinidad also bore fruit about the same time. Apparently, imported trees will not bear as soon as those produced from seeds of locally grown fruits.
This tree can withstand temperatures to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It is extremely graceful in form. For tropical fruit trees, this is fairly small, usually about 10 to 20 feet or so with a spread of about 10 feet. It will generally grow about a foot a year.
The trees often have a rather columnar or pyramidal shape with well-distributed side branches and a central leader. As the tree matures, the tips of the branches can start to droop.
The leathery, opposite leaves are shiny. They range from 6 to 8 inches long, and up to 4 inches wide. These are dark green above, and a lighter green below.
Mangosteen flowers are about two inches across. These appear at the tips of the branches. They bear a resemblance to a single rose blossom. For the most part, these will have dark maroon petals.
The aromatic, round fruits are somewhat orange-like in shape. Up to three inches in diameter, these can vary in color from reddish to brown when ripe. Having dark scars, the thick, leathery rind is very hard. Inside the fruit there are about eight or so segments, which are easily separated from the rind. The translucent, white pulp is rather soft.
For eating fresh, few fruits can compare with the sweet flavor of the mangosteen. Only some of the segments will contain seeds. These fruits are usually eaten fresh, but are also the basis for desserts. Unlike the mango and some other tropical fruits, this one is pretty much liked by everyone.
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