Lemon Drop Mangosteen (Garcinia brasiliensis)

Delight in a tropical sensation that is as delicious as it is easy to grow! The Lemon Drop Mangosteen (also known as Garcinia intermediate or Charichuelo) is an attractive, highly rewarding fruit tree known for its bright yellow, translucent fruits with a tangy, citrusy-sweet flavor reminiscent of lemon sorbet or sweet lemonade.

Unlike its notoriously finicky tropical relative (the true Purple Mangosteen), the Lemon Drop Mangosteen is exceptionally hardy, fast-growing, and adaptable. It handles cooler temperatures and lower humidity far better, making it one of the absolute best mangosteen species for home growers in Perth.

With its glossy, dark green foliage, compact habit, and heavy cropping potential, it makes a stunning ornamental specimen for suburban gardens, sheltered courtyards, or large containers.

Key Features

• Refreshing Lemon Sorbet Flavor: Produces smooth, bright yellow fruits filled with sweet, white pulp featuring a delightful tangy-sweet citrus twist.
• Precocious & Hardy: Fruits at a much younger age (often within 2 to 3 years) and demonstrates far greater cold and drought tolerance than tropical purple mangosteens.
• Compact & Container-Friendly: Naturally maintains a neat, attractive bushy shape reaching 2 to 3 meters, making it ideal for smaller gardens or large patio pots.
• Lush Ornamental Foliage: Features dense, glossy, deep green leaves that look vibrant year-round in tropical and sub-tropical garden setups.
• Self-Fertile: Highly productive on its own—only one plant is required to enjoy generous harvests of fresh fruit.

Care & Growing Tips for Perth

• Position: Plant in a warm, sheltered spot receiving full sun to partial shade. Protection from harsh afternoon summer sun (40°C+ days) and strong winter winds helps keep foliage pristine.
• Soil: Requires rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. In Perth's sandy soil, enrich heavily with compost, manure, and soil improver, keeping the soil slightly acidic to neutral.
• Watering: Prefers consistent moisture. Water regularly and deeply during Perth's hot summer months, keeping the root zone moist with a thick layer of mulch.
• Cold & Frost Protection: Protect young saplings from heavy frost or extreme cold during their first few Perth winters until established.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Lightly prune after harvest to maintain desired shape, remove dead wood, and open the canopy.

Quick Specifications

• Botanical Name: Garcinia brasiliensis (syn. Garcinia intermedia).
• Common Name: Lemon Drop Mangosteen / Charichuelo.
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy evergreen fruit tree.
• Mature Size: 2m – 3.5m height (easily maintained smaller in pots).
• Fruiting Time: 2 – 3 years after planting.
• Harvest Season: Late Summer to Autumn.
• Pollination: Self-pollinating (Self-fertile).