Indian Gamboge, Garcinia indica

Species

Indian Gamboge

Garcinia indica

Garcinia indica, commonly known as kokum, is a slender, evergreen tree valued for its fruit, which yields medicinal and culinary products such as kokum butter and refreshing drinks.

	Category	Details
	Plant Type	Perennial plant
	Culinary Usage	Edible plant
	Medicinal Usage	Medicinal Usage
	Duration to maturity	7 years to harvest
	Estimated Plant Lifespan	50 years lifespan
	Sun Requirements	6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun)
	Pollination	Method: Insect pollination Notes: Mainly pollinated by bees and other small insects.
	Watering Requirements	Method: Deep watering Frequency: Regularly during establishment, less frequently once mature Notes: Prefers moist, well-draining soil and benefits from high rainfall during the monsoon.
	Humidity Requirements	Level: High Maintenance: Natural tropical climate or misting in controlled environments
	Care Instructions	Plant in rich, well-drained soil with adequate organic matter. Provide regular watering during the dry season for young trees, and protect from strong winds.
	Temperature Range	Min: 15°C Max: 38°C

Jackfruit

Artocarpus heterophyllus

Thrives in similar tropical conditions and shares canopy space effectively in a diverse food forest.

Fruit borer

Larvae bore into developing fruits, causing damage and premature drop.

Steps:

- Extract fresh seeds from ripe kokum fruits.
- Sow the seeds in a well-draining nursery bed or containers filled with a mix of soil and compost.
- Keep the medium moist and provide partial shade until germination occurs.

Kokum butter

Extracted from the seeds, used in cosmetics and skincare products.

Aamsul / Kokum rind

Dried rinds used to impart a sour flavor in traditional culinary dishes.

Indian Gamboge

Description

Companion Plants

Common Pests

Propagation Information

📦Supplies