Description : Mangosteen is a fragrant tropical fruit of about the size of a small orange. Mangosteen has a leathery purple-maroon shell that surrounds a moist , snow – white and sweet fleshy interior. Though it is the national fruit of Thailand , but it is believed that it flourished in southern part of india during the 18th century . mellow and earthy , mangosteen is ripe only when it is woody ,leathery purple rind yields to the touch.
Grown in : the nilgiri hills , southern districts of tirunelvely and kanyakumari in tamil nadu and kerala .
Cultivation and harvest : the seed of mangosteen when soaked in water germinates in 14 to 21 days and for this duration the plant grows in a nursery. When it grows for about 25 to 30 cms then it is transplanted in the fieds at the spacing of 20-40 meters. After this the field is mulched in order to control growth of weeds . transplanting is done in rainy season. For growing mangosteen the ideal temperature is 25-35*c that may reach maximum 40*c. mangosteen trees are sensitive to water availability and application of fertilizers. Maturation of mangosteen trees takes about 5-6 months and the crop is harvested when it turns purple.
Diseases and pests: pestalotiopsis leaf blight is one of the most common diseases observed. Other diseases like marasmiellus scandens , diplodia theobromae ,
Stem canker and dieback are also found in the plant.
Processing: only one third of the fruit is edible and the rest is its rind , which contains polyphenolic compounds called xanthones that are powerful antioxidants . therefore , the manufacture of mangosteen rind powder might lead to a healthy product and helps reduce waste in the food processing industry .
Transportation chain:
SOIL AND WATER:THE TREE IS NOT ADAPTED TO LIMESTONE AND DOES BEST IN DEEP,RICH ORGANIC SOIL,ESPECIALLY Sandy loam or laterite. Sandy alluvial soils are unsuitable and sand low in humus contributes to low yields. The tree needs good drainage and the water table ought to be 6 feet[1.8m] below the ground level.
Family of mangosteen : guttiferae
Scientific name of mangosteen :
Garcinia mangostana