Description: An evergreen tree with dense foliage and yellowish to reddish fruits. The dried fruit rind is widely used in South Indian cuisine.

Identification: Opposite leathery leaves; yellowish flowers; round ribbed fruits that become yellow/orange when mature.

Habitat & distribution: Native to southwestern India and Sri Lanka; particularly associated with humid tropical forests.

Uses / importance: Dried fruit rind is used as a souring agent in Kerala cuisine. It is also important as a traditional forest food plant.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom – Plantae
Clade – Angiosperms
Clade – Eudicots
Order – Malpighiales
Family – Clusiaceae
Genus – Garcinia
Species – G. gummi-gutta

Sources: Kew POWO; India Biodiversity Portal; Kerala flora.