Russell Sweet Garcinia Live Plants (Garcinia Russelii)

Garcinia russellii, commonly known as Russell Sweet or Garcinia Live, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to Southeast Asia. This plant is a member of the Clusiaceae family and is closely related to the more famous Garcinia mangostana, which produces the mangosteen fruit.

Here is a description of Russell Sweet (Garcinia russellii) plants:

1. Appearance: The Russell Sweet tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 20-25 meters (65-82 feet) in height. It typically has a straight trunk with dark brown to gray bark.

2. Leaves: The leaves of the Russell Sweet plant are glossy, dark green, and elliptical in shape. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the branches.

3. Flowers: The tree produces small, fragrant, cream-colored flowers with four petals. These flowers are typically unisexual, with male and female flowers occurring on separate trees. The male flowers have prominent stamens, while the female flowers have a distinctive ovary.

4. Fruit: The fruit of the Russell Sweet tree is its most significant feature. It is a round or slightly oval berry that can vary in size but is typically about the size of a small apple. The skin of the fruit is smooth and thin, turning from green to yellow or orange as it ripens. The pulp inside is juicy and translucent, with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.

5. Seeds: Inside the fruit, there are several seeds. These seeds are typically large and can be quite hard.

6. Habitat: Russell Sweet trees are found in tropical rainforests and are native to countries in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. They thrive in humid and warm climates.

7. Cultivation: The Russell Sweet tree is cultivated primarily for its fruit, which is used in various culinary applications. It is grown in tropical regions with well-draining soil and regular rainfall. The tree can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or grafting.

8. Uses: The fruit of Russell Sweet is consumed fresh and is also used in traditional medicine in some regions. It is valued for its potential health benefits, including its purported ability to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

It's important to note that while Russell Sweet (Garcinia russellii) is known for its fruit, it may not be as well-known or widely cultivated as some other Garcinia species, such as Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen), which is celebrated for its delicious and highly-prized fruit.