Gamboge (Garcinia xanthochymus)
Regular price $59.95Bright Yellow Fruit with Tangy Flavor
Gamboge (Garcinia xanthochymus), also known as Yellow Mangosteen, False Mangosteen, or Sour Garcinia, is a tropical evergreen fruit tree native to Southeast Asia. It produces round to oval, bright yellow fruits with a distinctly sour flavor, making them a valuable ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking. The fruit pulp is used to add tanginess to curries, soups, chutneys, and sauces. Glossy, dark green foliage gives the tree a lush tropical appearance, while its colorful fruits provide ornamental interest as they mature.
Beyond its culinary value, Gamboge has a long history of traditional and practical uses. Its yellow-orange resin has been used as a natural pigment and dye, as well as in traditional remedies. In suitable climates, this evergreen tree can grow into a substantial canopy tree, though pruning can help maintain a more manageable size for home gardens and edible landscapes.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Gamboge is valued in Southeast Asian culinary traditions for its sour fruit, which adds a bright, tangy flavor to savory dishes, including curries, soups, chutneys, and sauces. Its vividly colored resin has also been used historically as a pigment and dye. The fruit contains vitamin C and other naturally occurring plant compounds, while traditional medicinal uses vary by region. These diverse uses make Gamboge an interesting addition to a tropical food forest.
Why Grow Gamboge?
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Harvest bright yellow fruits with a bold, sour flavor for cooking.
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Add a distinctive ingredient to curries, soups, chutneys, and sauces.
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Enjoy glossy evergreen foliage that brings a lush tropical look to the garden.
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Grow a versatile tree with a history of culinary, pigment, and traditional uses.
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Prune the tree to help manage its size in a home garden or edible landscape.
Growing Tips
Also known as: False Mangosteen, Yellow Mangosteen, Sour Garcinia, Gamboge
Plant Gamboge in full sun to part shade and provide well-draining soil rich in organic matter, ideally with a near-neutral pH. This fast-growing tropical evergreen fruit tree adapts to a range of growing conditions but benefits from consistent moisture and good drainage. It naturally develops a conical shape and can reach 10–15 ft. tall without pruning, while trees in their native habitat may grow 20–30 ft. Protect young trees from frost and prolonged cold. Gamboge is grown from seed, and seedlings may be male, female, or hermaphroditic, so growing multiple plants can improve the likelihood of fruit production. Medium-sized plants may begin fruiting within approximately 6 years, while Large plants may produce within 5 years. Harvest fruit during summer. In cooler climates, grow in a container or greenhouse and protect from freezing temperatures.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Garcinia xanthochymus |
| Common Names | Gamboge, False Mangosteen, Yellow Mangosteen, Sour Garcinia |
| Family | Clusiaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Plant Type | Tropical Evergreen Fruit Tree |
| Harvest Season | Summer |
| Mature Size | 10–15 ft. tall without pruning; 20–30 ft. in its native habitat |
| Soil & Moisture | Adaptable; prefers well-draining, organic-rich soil |
| Soil pH | Near neutral |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Self-Fertile | Variable; seedlings may be male, female, or hermaphroditic. Multiple plants are recommended to improve fruiting potential |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors: Zones 9–11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse: Zone 4+ |
| Propagation | Seed |
| Time to Fruit | Medium: approximately 6 years; Large: approximately 5 years |
| Fruit | Round to oval, bright yellow, sour fruit |
| Culinary Uses | Curries, soups, chutneys, sauces |
| Special Features | Evergreen foliage, tangy fruit, historically used as a natural pigment |
| Related Plants | Shop all Garcinia varieties |
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