Garcinia nitida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Garcinia nitida |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Clusiaceae |
| Genus: | Garcinia |
| Species: |
G. nitida
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| Binomial name | |
| Garcinia nitida Pierre
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Garcinia nitida, also known as kandis hutan, is a type of flowering plant. It is a fruit tree that grows in the lower parts of forests. This tree is part of the mangosteen family. It is special because it is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. This plant is originally from Southeast Asia.
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What Does the Kandis Hutan Tree Look Like?
This tree can grow quite tall, up to 30 meters (about 98 feet) high. Its main stem, called a bole, can be 2 to 6 meters (6 to 20 feet) wide. It has small, grooved buttresses at its base, which are like wide supports.
The leaves are smooth and oval-shaped. They are usually 6 to 10 centimeters (2.4 to 3.9 inches) long and 3 to 4 centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) wide. The flowers are white or cream-colored and have four petals.
About the Fruits
The fruits of the kandis hutan tree are oval-shaped berries. They are about 3 to 4 centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) long and 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches) wide. When they are ripe, their color changes from yellow to a light orange. Inside, the fruit has light brown seeds. These seeds are covered with a clear, sour, and edible layer called an arillode.
Where Does the Kandis Hutan Tree Grow?
The Garcinia nitida tree is found only in Borneo. This means it is endemic to that island. It grows in forests that are low-lying or on hills. You can find it in mixed dipterocarp forests, which are common in Borneo. It grows at elevations up to 900 meters (about 2,950 feet) above sea level.
What is Kandis Hutan Used For?
This tree is not often grown on farms or in gardens. However, its fruits are quite useful. The sour skin and soft inside part of the fruit are used in cooking.
People use it as a replacement for tamarind. It can be added to dishes like cooked rice, fish, and curries to give them a tangy flavor. The fruit is also used to make jam and sweet drinks.
