How to Grow and Care for Saptrees

Common garcinia (Garcinia subelliptica) is a tree found in coastal forests in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other island chains. It can reach 20 m tall, and is used as a windbreak, firebreak, and as decoration. Pigment in the bark has traditionally also been used as a yellow dye on the Ryukyu Islands of Japan.

The tree grows to a height of more than 20 m and has a long trunk, smooth grey bark and drooping branches. The leaves are dark green, shiny, long and narrow with a pointed tip and upturned edges. The flowers are dark red. The round fruits are borne singly on twig ends about 7–10 cm in diameter. The ripe fruits are bright orange yellow, which are sliced, dried and used in curries or stewed in plenty of sugar to be eaten.

Cowa is a tropical evergreen tree known for its drooping branches and dark green, glossy leaves. The plant produces a profusion of yellow flowers, which are often followed by a distinctive, yellow to orange, pumpkin-shaped fruit. This fruit has a tart taste and is highly regarded in local culinary traditions. Cowa thrives in humid, rainforest climates where its deep roots allow it to access nutrients in the rich, well-drained soils.

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is an evergreen tree that is widely cultivated for its edible fruit. This delicious tropical fruit has a hard purple outside which cracks open to reveal segmented white fruit with a well-balanced sweet and sour taste. The fruit's purple husk can stain clothes and fabric, leading it to be banned from many hotels in Southeast Asia.

Garcinia is a tropical evergreen known for its dense, bushy crown and glossy, oblong leaves that showcase a deep green hue. Delicate, yellow flowers occasionally bloom, giving way to small, multi-segmented fruits with a tart taste. Thriving in humid climates, garcinia is well-adapted to environments with regular rainfall, contributing to its lush, vibrant appearance.