Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Robs.

കുടംപുളി

Family : CLUSIACEAE

Synonym : Cambogia gummi-gutta L.

Common Names : Korakkapuli, Kodampuli, Kudapuli, Kokakkappuli, Marapuli, Meenpuli, Perumpuli, Pinampuli, Pinar, Malabar Gamboge

Flowering Period : January – September

Distribution : South India and Sri Lanka

Habitat : Evergreen forests, along stream banks, also cultivated

Uses : Fruits edible, anti-obesity, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, Ayurvedic. A decoction made from the plant (part not specified) is used in the treatment of rheumatism and bowel complaints. An extract obtained from the mature fruit rind, hydroxy citric acid, is used as a treatment against obesity. Gamboge, a gum-resin obtained from the plant, is used as a yellow dye, as an illuminant and in varnishes, water colours etc. The wood is used in construction and furniture making.

Key Characters :

Evergreen trees, to 20 m high, bark black, rough. Leaves simple, opposite, decussate, elliptic, margin entire. Flowers polygamodioecious, yellowish-white; male flowers: 3-5 in short axillary fascicles; sepals 4, ovate; petals 4; stamens 10-20 or more, monadelphous; anthers basifixed; female flowers: 1-3 in terminal and axillary fascicles, larger than male flowers; sepals and petals as in male; ovary superior, globular, 8-10 locular. Fruit a berry.