Those who have tasted this fruit in its perfection declare it to be indescribably delicious. The Mangosteen must have a hot, moist, and fairly equable climate throughout the year.
Many Mangosteen trees have been brought to Hawaii, and have received intelligent care, but they have not thrived well; and have eventually died. Only two have ever produced fruit; one in the garden of Mr. Francis Gay of Kauai, which bears its fruit annually, and the other tree at Lahaina, Maui, in the garden formerly the property of Mr. Harry Turton.
Plate LXXXIX.—Mangosteen.
Two thirds natural size.
G. P. W. Collection. [Plate XC]
Garcinia Xanthochymus.
This handsome tree is a native of India, and was first introduced to Hawaii by Mr. Albert Jaeger. It has long, narrow, leathery leaves of a bright, glossy green. The flowers, which have four petals, appear at the axil of the leaves, and the fruit, which is about the size of a small quince, has a smooth, thin skin, which is yellow when ripe. The firm pulp is golden yellow, very juicy, and sour, and the seeds are large. This variety is common in the Islands, and has often been mistaken for the Mangosteen. It ripens its fruit in October and November. This variety has been used to inarch the garcina mangostana upon.