Garcinia morella

Garcinia morella is a species of Garcinia, a genus of flowering plants in the family Clusiaceae, native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Common names include Morella and Indian Gamboge.

Description

Garcinia morella is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree growing up to 15 m tall. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and the flowers are yellow, with four petals. The fruit is round, about 1-2 cm in diameter, and turns from green to yellow or orange-yellow when ripe. The fruit contains one or two seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Garcinia morella is native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is found in tropical rainforests and monsoon forests, at altitudes from sea level up to 1500 m.

Uses

The fruit of Garcinia morella is used in traditional Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine. It is also used in the production of gamboge, a yellow pigment used in watercolor painting. The wood is used for construction and furniture making.

Cultivation

Garcinia morella is cultivated for its fruit and as an ornamental tree. It prefers a tropical climate, well-drained soil, and full sun to partial shade. It is propagated by seeds.

Conservation status

Garcinia morella is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, like many tropical forest species, it is potentially at risk from habitat loss due to deforestation.

See also

• List of Garcinia species
• Gamboge
• Indian cuisine
• Ayurvedic medicine

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  Illustration of Garcinia morella from Köhler's Medicinal Plants

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  Garcinia morella at Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary