Definition
Garcinia spicata is a species of flowering plant in the family Clusiaceae, belonging to the genus Garcinia. It is recognized as a tropical evergreen tree producing characteristic fruits.
Overview
Garcinia spicata is native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, with documented occurrences in the Western Ghats of India, Sri Lanka, and some regions of Myanmar and Thailand. The species grows in evergreen and semi-evergreen forest habitats, often at low to mid elevations (up to approximately 800 m). Like other members of the genus, it bears fleshy fruits that are occasionally utilized locally for food or traditional medicine.
Etymology / Origin
The generic name Garcinia honors French botanist Laurent Garcin (1683–1751). The specific epithet spicata derives from the Latin spica, meaning “spike,” likely referring to the arrangement of its inflorescences or the shape of its fruit clusters.
Characteristics
- Growth form: Small to medium‑sized evergreen tree, typically reaching heights of 10–15 m.
- Leaves: Simple, opposite or subopposite, leathery, elliptic to oblong, measuring 8–15 cm long and 3–6 cm wide; the upper surface is glossy dark green, while the underside is paler.
- Inflorescence: Axillary or terminal spikes (hence the epithet spicata), bearing numerous small, yellowish‑white flowers.
- Flowers: Bisexual, with five sepals and five petals; stamens are numerous and often arranged in bundles.
- Fruit: Ovoid to ellipsoid, 3–5 cm in length, with a thin, yellowish to orange rind when ripe; the pulp is soft, aromatic, and mildly acidic. Seeds are large, single, and surrounded by a fleshy aril.
- Phenology: Flowering generally occurs during the pre‑monsoon period, with fruiting following the rainy season.
- Uses: The fruit is consumed locally, either raw or processed into preserves. Certain traditional medicinal practices attribute anti‑inflammatory and digestive benefits to various plant parts, though scientific validation is limited.
- Conservation status: There is no specific assessment on the IUCN Red List; however, habitat loss in its native range may pose localized threats.
Related Topics
- Garcinia mangostana – the mangosteen, a commercially important fruit‑bearing species within the same genus.
- Clusiaceae – the plant family that includes Garcinia and other genera such as Clusia and Hypericum.
- Western Ghats biodiversity – a biodiversity hotspot that hosts numerous endemic Garcinia species.
- Traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine – a context in which various Garcinia species are utilized.