Kokum
Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy
Location
Vegetable Garden
Family
Clusiaceae
Common names
Kokum, Punarpuli
Native range
Western Ghats of India
Habitat
Tropical evergreen forests
Flowering
March
Fruiting
April-June
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
About this plant
Garcinia indica is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, reaching up to 18 meters in height. Leaves are dark green, glossy, and oblong. Flowers are small, reddish, and unisexual; tree is often dioecious (separate male and female trees). Fruits small, round, purple to dark red when ripe, 3–5 cm in diameter, containing 5–8 seeds surrounded by juicy, sour pulp.
Uses
Fruit rind is sun-dried and used as a souring agent in Konkani, Goan, and Maharashtrian dishes (alternative to tamarind), used to make kokum sherbet, a refreshing and cooling summer drink. Butter (kokum fat) extracted from seeds is used in chocolates, cosmetics, and as a ghee substitute.
Growing conditions
Prefers humid tropical climates and grows best in deep, well-drained lateritic or loamy soils. Thrives in partial shade to full sun, requires high rainfall, and is moderately drought-tolerant once established
Habit
Evergreen tree