Garcinia madruno aka Charichuelo

Garcinia madruno is an evergreen fruit tree in the Clusiaceae family. Its common names include madruno, charichuela, and lemon drop mangosteen. Its native range spans Trinidad and tropical Central and South America. It grows in both dry forests and humid secondary forests. These sites often have sandy soil that drains well. Most forest sites avoid floods, though the tree tolerates brief flooding.

In gardens, it reaches about 33 feet (10 metres) tall. Its crown can spread to 26 feet (8 metres). Some accounts give a greater height of 49 feet (15 metres). The tree grows upright and forms a dense crown. Its shape ranges from a pyramid to a rounded dome. Dark green, leathery leaves stay on the tree year-round. The trunk is round and yields yellow latex when cut. Growth is moderate, though newly planted young trees can establish fast.

The yellow fruits have an oval to elliptic shape. Their length is about 0.20–0.25 feet (0.06–0.075 metres). Inside, the pale, partly clear pulp is juicy and mildly tart. It also has a light scent. People eat the pulp fresh or cook it. They also use it in jam, preserves, and drinks. People gather fruit from wild trees and grow trees for fruit. Local markets in Ecuador sell the harvest. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Both sexes must grow together to produce fruit and seed.

This tree suits hot, humid tropical lowlands and USDA zones 10–12. Grow it in full sun or light shade. It needs moist soil with good drainage. Sandy and loamy soils suit it, with neutral to mildly alkaline pH. Its tolerance of brief floods does not replace that drainage need. Gardeners can include it in a food forest. Suggested spacing is 15–20 feet (4.7–6 metres). Sow ripe seed soon after harvest in a partly shaded nursery bed. Germination often exceeds 70 percent and takes 60–70 days.

The tree also supplies resin and useful wood. People collect a greenish resin known as Maria Balsam. Its pinkish wood is hard, heavy, and coarse in texture. Local uses include building work and fuel. Traditional practice uses the yellow latex on ulcers and other sores. This reported use does not establish its safety or effectiveness. The sources list no known hazards, but do not establish pet safety.