Native to Malaysia, wild species of mangosteen can be found in both Malaysia and India. The cultivated mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is thought to have descended from G. silvestris Boerl, a species thriving in these regions. A study suggests that Peninsular Malaysia might be the mangosteen's true area of origin, possibly arising as a hybrid between G. hombroniana and G. malleccensis.
The domestication of the mangosteen likely began in Thailand and Burma. By 1965, Thailand had devoted 9,700 acres (4,000 hectares) to its cultivation. The fruit is also extensively grown in Cambodia, southern Vietnam, Burma, Malaysia, and Singapore. Named after the French explorer Laurent Garcia (1683-1751), the mangosteen has been cultivated for centuries in various parts of the humid tropics, demonstrating its adaptability and appeal.
The tree was introduced to Ceylon around 1800 and to India in 1881. While it is rare in Queensland, Australia, it has been experimented with since 1854. In tropical Africa, it is poorly represented, with some presence in Zanzibar, Ghana, Gabon, and Liberia. Remarkably, fruiting trees were successfully grown in greenhouses in England as early as 1855, showcasing the plant's broad climatic adaptability.
Mangosteen plants reached Puerto Rico in 1903, and by 1906, seeds had made their way to the United States Department of Agriculture. However, the survival rate of seedlings in the U.S. was notably poor, hindering widespread cultivation.
In recent years, the mangosteen has experienced a surge in international demand, driven by its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. This growing popularity has encouraged producers to revisit and invest in mangosteen cultivation. Countries like Thailand and Malaysia have seen renewed interest in expanding their mangosteen exports to meet the rising global demand, further cementing the fruit's status as a treasured commodity in the international market.
The mangosteen's rich history, combined with its health benefits and exquisite taste, continues to captivate consumers worldwide. As cultivation practices improve and global interest grows, the mangosteen's legacy as the "Fruit of God" is likely to flourish even further.
Mangosteen: The Divine Fruit of Southeast Asia
