New! Randia fitzalanii (Native Gardenia / Yellow Mangosteen)

Randia fitzalanii (Native Gardenia, Yellow Mangosteen)

The Yellow Mangosteen, or Native Gardenia, is a beautiful rainforest tree, native to the North Coast of Queensland in Australia. Randia fitzalanii grows to around 5m tall, possibly a little taller in some conditions, and makes an excellent small tree for many gardens! Foliage is very beautiful and glossy green, and flowers resemble the flowers of Gardenia’s, which is where the name ‘Native Gardenia’ originates. The flowers are highly fragrant.

Not only is the Yellow Mangosteen beautiful and ornamental, it is edible as well, and is appreciated as bush tucker. Randia fitzalanii produces large, edible , slightly sweet yellow fruits. Randia fitzalanii fruits are eaten raw by Aboriginal people

Growing the Native Gardenia

Although Randia fitzalanii is a tropical native, it has been reported growing well as far south as Sydney. It is best grown in warm, moist situations, but can handle very light, very short frost. The Yellow Mangosteen is also drought hardy once established, although it prefers being watered regularly. Select a position, preferably sheltered, in full sun to part shade. Mulch well.

This plant is ideal for containers, close to the house to enjoy the wonderful fragrance, or as a small shade tree in the garden. Randia fitzalanii roots are non-invasive.

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New! Garcinia magnostana (Mangosteen)

About the Mangosteen fruit

The Mangosteen is the Queen of Tropical fruits! Beautiful, ornamental fruits are purple to red and smooth on the outside. The fruits taste delicious; sweet & tangy, and are described as being similar to peaches. It is often called a ‘super fruit’ due to the said antioxidants and anti-disease effects. Mangosteen Juice is one of the new, very popular health juices. The fruits can be made into jams, and seeds can be toasted.

About the Mangosteen Plant

The Mangosteen is an evergreen tree which grows between 6-20m tall. New growth emerges purplish to red. It is not only a wonderful edible tree, with delicious tropical fruits, it’s also used for medicinal purposes such as Dysentery, skin disorders and cystitis. Some countries also valued it for its wood.

Growing the Mangosteen Plant

Originating in Asia, the Mangosteen prefers high humidity, and would benefit from regular watering, especially during summer. This tree is a true tropical plant, and can only be grown in frost free conditions. It should be grown in very rich, organic soil, with some added sand. Ensure it has good drainage and mulch well. It cannot be grown too close to the coast as it will not tolerate strong winds, salt spray or salty water.

Garcinia mangostana will grow a taproot almost immediately, and you should plant it in its final position before it gets to around 1/2m tall. After this, you may damage the taproot, damaging or killing the plant. Keep the tree in a protected, at least semi-shaded position for the first 3-5 years, before exposing it to full sun. In good conditions, the plants will fruit in 6-9 years from sprouting. Our plants are currently 1 year old.

Propagating the Mangosteen

Propagate from ripe, fully developed seed. Seeds sprout in aprox 3 weeks.