Garciniakusumae

Garciniakusumae Latest News

Recently, botanists discovered a new garcinia species in Assam and named it as Garciniakusumae. 

About Garciniakusumae

• It is a new tree species belonging to the genus Garcinia, commonly referred to as thoikora in Assamese.

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Features of Garciniakusumae

• It is a dioecious evergreen tree that can grow up to 18 metres tall, Garcinia kusumae was observed to flower from February to April, with fruit maturing between May and June.
• Morphological analysis revealed distinguishing characteristics, including up to 15 staminate flowers per fascicle, fewer stamens per flower (except in Garcinia assamica), and berries with blackish resinous exudations.
• The fruit holds local cultural and medicinal value.
• According to the study, the sun-dried pulp is used to prepare a sherbet (soft drink) with salt and sugar, consumed during hot days to prevent heat stroke and alleviate thirst.
• It is also used in curries with fish and employed as a traditional remedy for diabetes and dysentery.
• The seed aril, slightly sour and sweet, is eaten raw, often with salt, chillies, and a dash of mustard oil.

Key Facts about Garcinia

• Garcinia, the largest genus in the family Clusiaceae, comprises 414 species of shrubs and trees.
• It is Pan-tropically distributed, its centres of diversity are found in Africa, Australasia, and Southeast Asia.
• The genus is known for its floral diversity, frequent presence in lowland tropical rainforests, and considerable pharmacological potential.
• In India, 33 species and seven varieties of Garcinia have been documented, with Assam accounting for 12 species and three varieties.

Source: TH