Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) N.Robson

            

             

               Scientific Name: Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) N.Robson

               Family: Clusiaceae

Synonym: Cambogia gummi-gutta L.

Vernacular name: Gorakkapuli, Kodampuli, Marapuli, Meenpuli, Perumpuli

Habit: Tree

Habitat: Along streams in evergreen and semi-Evergreen forests

Distribution: India, Sri Lanka

Flowering and Fruiting: January-August

Key identification features: Trees with outer bark reddish brown, lenticellate; branches drooping. Leaves narrow elliptic to obovate. Flowers polygamous, in clusters; calyx cream; petals pink. Berry globose, grooved; many-seeded.

 

Tribal Consumers: Adiya

Uses: Garcinia gummi-gutta is popular for its fruit rind, which is used as a natural weight management aid by reducing appetite and supporting metabolism. It is also used in cooking for its tangy flavor, especially in curries. Additionally, it has traditional uses in relieving digestive issues and promoting gut health.