Malabar Tamarind, Garcinia gummi-gutta

Garcinia gummi-gutta (commonly known as Malabar tamarind, brindleberry, or sometimes Kudampuli) is a small tropical fruit-bearing tree in the family Clusiaceae, native to India and Southeast Asia.

Botanical Overview

Scientific name: Garcinia gummi-gutta

Family: Clusiaceae

Common names: Malabar tamarind, brindleberry, kudampuli, goraka

Type: Evergreen tree

Height: Typically 5–20 meters tall

Leaves: Dark green, glossy, elliptic to oblong, 5–15 cm long

Flowers: Small, reddish, unisexual or bisexual

Fruit: A small pumpkin-shaped berry, yellow to greenish when ripe, about the size of a small orange

Uses

Culinary:

The dried rind is widely used as a sour flavoring in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, similar to tamarind.

In Kerala, it is called kudampuli and added to fish curries for a tangy flavor.
Traditional Medicine:

Used in Ayurveda for digestion and as a traditional remedy for intestinal complaints.

Modern Popularity:

The rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which has been marketed in weight-loss supplements. However, scientific evidence for its effectiveness is inconclusive, and safety concerns exist with some extracts.

Growing Conditions

Climate: Tropical and subtropical regions

Soil: Well-draining, rich soil

Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun

Propagation: Commonly by seeds