Lemon Drop Mangosteen - Garcinia Intermedia

The Lemon Drop Mangosteen (Garcinia intermedia) is a beautiful evergreen tropical fruit tree prized for its bright yellow, tangy-sweet fruits and lush glossy foliage. Native to Central and South America, this small tree belongs to the Clusiaceae (Guttiferae) family, the same as the true mangosteen. With its striking reddish young leaves, white flowers, and ornamental golden fruits, it’s both highly decorative and productive. Perfect for tropical gardens, home orchards, or container growing, it’s a favorite among collectors seeking to buy exotic fruit plants online.

🌞 Growing & Care Guide for Lemon Drop Mangosteen (Garcinia intermedia)

Scientific Name: Garcinia intermedia (Pittier) Hammel

Family: Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)

Synonyms: Rheedia intermedia Pittier, Calophyllum edule Seem.

Common Names: Lemon Drop Mangosteen, Garcinia Intermedia, Yellow Mangosteen

Native Distribution: Southern & Central America

Habitat: Evergreen and low deciduous forests, pine-oak regions, and humid tropical zones

Climate Zone: Tropical to subtropical (USDA 10–12)

Plant Type: Evergreen fruit tree

Height: 10–20 m (33–66 ft)

Growth Rate: Moderate

Lifespan: Long-lived perennial

☀️ Sunlight & Soil

• Prefers full sun for optimal fruit production but tolerates light shade.

• Thrives in rich, well-draining, loamy soils with good organic matter.

• Ideal pH range: 5.0–6.5 (slightly acidic).

• Naturally found in humid forests, indicating preference for moist, fertile conditions.

• Avoid compacted or limestone-heavy soil; amend with compost before planting.

💧 Watering

• Requires moderate watering—keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Increase watering during flowering and fruiting seasons.

• Reduce watering in cooler or dormant months.

• Use mulch to retain moisture and protect the root zone from drying out.

🌱 Fertilization

• Apply a balanced tropical fruit fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10 or 12-12-17) every 3–4 months.

• Incorporate organic compost or manure during the growing season.

• Supplement with micronutrients (especially magnesium and iron) for glossy green leaves.

• Use slow-release organic fertilizers to promote steady growth and consistent fruiting.

✂️ Pruning

• Perform light pruning annually to shape the tree and improve air circulation.

• Remove crossing or weak branches after harvesting.

• Avoid excessive pruning as it can delay flowering.

• Keep canopy open to allow sunlight penetration for better fruit color and sweetness.

🍂 Mulching

• Apply organic mulch (bark, straw, or leaves) around the base to maintain soil moisture.

• Helps regulate temperature and prevent weed competition.

• Maintain a 5–8 cm layer, keeping mulch slightly away from the trunk to avoid rot.

🐛 Pest & Disease Control

• Generally pest-resistant with strong natural immunity from its latex content.

• Occasionally affected by scale insects or aphids—treat with neem oil spray.

• Ensure proper air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid areas.

• Avoid overwatering to reduce root rot risk.

🌱 Support for Young Plants

• Young plants benefit from partial shade until well-established.

• Stake seedlings in windy areas to encourage upright growth.

• Keep soil moist during the first year for proper root establishment.

• Apply diluted liquid fertilizer bi-weekly during the growing phase.

🍎 Harvesting

• Fruits ripen 6–8 years from seed.

• Mature fruits turn bright yellow or golden and detach easily from branches.

• The thin rind encloses a soft, juicy, translucent pulp with a delightful sweet-tart flavor.

• Best consumed fresh, juiced, or made into jams.

• Produces 1–5 seeds per fruit with yellow latex when cut.

🍃 Thinning

• Thin crowded branches to improve light exposure and fruit quality.

• Remove small or damaged fruits early to boost size and flavor of remaining fruit.

• Improves airflow and prevents fungal buildup in dense canopies.

❄️ Winter Protection

• Not frost-tolerant; protect below 10°C (50°F).

• For subtropical or cooler areas, grow in large pots and move indoors during winter.

• Use frost cloth or shade netting in cold snaps.

• Apply mulch at the base for root insulation.

🌸 Advantages of Choosing Lemon Drop Mangosteen (Garcinia intermedia) for Your Garden

🌼 Exotic Appeal: Striking golden fruits and glossy evergreen foliage add tropical beauty to any landscape.

🌞 Sun-Loving Performer: Thrives in warm, sunny climates with minimal maintenance.

🌿 Nutrient Powerhouse: Fruits are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural acids for health and immunity.

🦋 Pollinator Friendly: White fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and fruit bats.

🌱 Compact & Manageable: Ideal for small gardens or container growing due to moderate size and growth rate.

🧪 Medicinal Value: Latex and bark extracts have traditional uses in natural medicine.

🚫 Low Maintenance: Highly pest-resistant, drought-tolerant once mature, and long-living.

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Note: Each plant is beautifully unique! The images shown are for reference to give you an idea of the general appearance and quality. While your plant may vary slightly in shape and size, you can refer to the third picture for reference.