Garcinia binucao

Garcinia binucao is a species of tropical fruit tree in the family Clusiaceae, native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is commonly known as the Binucao or Batuan in the Philippines and is closely related to the more widely known Mangosteen.

Description

Garcinia binucao is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. The bark is smooth and grey, with a dense crown of glossy, dark green leaves. The flowers are small, yellowish, and borne in clusters. The fruit is round, about 5 cm in diameter, with a thick rind that turns from green to brown as it matures. The pulp is sour and is often used in traditional Filipino and Indonesian cooking.

Distribution and Habitat

Garcinia binucao is native to the Philippines and Indonesia, but it is also found in other parts of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It grows in lowland rainforests and on mountain slopes up to 1,000 meters above sea level.

Uses

The sour pulp of Garcinia binucao is used in traditional Filipino and Indonesian cooking, particularly in soups and stews. It is also used to make a type of vinegar known as suka in the Philippines. In addition to its culinary uses, Garcinia binucao has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomachaches and skin infections.

Conservation Status

Garcinia binucao is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, like many tropical fruit trees, it is vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion.

See Also

• Mangosteen
• Garcinia gummi-gutta
• Garcinia morella

References

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