Cowa fruit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cowa fruit |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Garcinia
|
| Species: |
cowa
|
The Garcinia cowa, also known as cowa fruit or cowa mangosteen, is an evergreen plant. This means it stays green all year round. It grows naturally in many parts of Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Southwest China.
People gather this tree from the wild because its fruits and leaves are edible. They are used by local communities. The flowers of the cowa fruit tree are yellow. Interestingly, the male and female flowers grow separately on the plant.
In different places, this fruit has different local names. For example, it's called Kau Thekera (কাও থেকেৰা) in Assamese. In Bengali and Malayalam, it's known as Kowa. In Manipuri, people call it Kau.
What is Cowa Fruit Used For?
The cowa fruit tree has many uses, especially in traditional practices and for its special properties.
Traditional Uses
In Thailand, people have used Garcinia cowa in their local folk medicine for a long time.
- The bark of the tree has been used to help reduce fevers (it's an antipyretic) and fight against germs (it's an antimicrobial).
- The sap, called latex, has also been used to help with fevers.
- The fruits and leaves are thought to help improve blood flow.
- They are also used as an expectorant to help with coughs and to ease indigestion.
- Sometimes, they are used as a laxative to help with digestion.
- People believe the roots can help relieve fevers.
- In East India, sun-dried slices of the fruit have been used to treat tummy troubles like dysentery.
Fighting Malaria
Scientists have studied the bark of the Garcinia cowa tree. They found that it contains special compounds called xanthones. These compounds have shown properties that can fight against malaria in lab tests. Malaria is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes.
Dyes and Resins
The bark of the cowa fruit tree is also useful for other things. It can be used to make a yellow dye for coloring clothes. Also, the sticky gum-like substance from the tree, called resin, is used in making varnishes.
