Garcinia indica (Thouras) Choisy

Systematic Classification:

Division	: Angiospermae
Class		: Dicotyledons
Family		: Clusiaceae					
Genus		: Garcinia
Species	        : indica

Common Name:

Punnampuli, KOkkam

General Information:

Small trees, up to 10 m tall.Bark light brown, smooth, fissured when old; blaze reddish.Branches horizontal; branchlets opposite, subangular, glabrous.Latex yellowish, profuse.Leaves simple, opposite, decussate; petiole 0.7-1.5 cm long, planoconvex, glabrous, slightly sheathing at base; lamina 6-12 x 1.5-4.3 cm, narrow-elliptic to narrow-obovate, apex obtuse or acute to slightly acuminate, base acute to attenuate, margin slightly repand, chartaceous to subcoriaceous, glabrous; secondary nerves 4-7 pairs, with many intersecondary nerves; tertiary nerves obscure.Flowers polygamodioecious, male flowers in axillary and terminal clusters; female flowers solitary, terminal or axillary.Fruit and SeedBerry globose, smooth; many seeded.

Economic Importance:

• The seed of Garcinia indica contains 23–26% Kokum butter, which remains solid at room temperature. It is used in the preparation of chocolate and sugar confectionery.
• The oily extract called Kukum butter is used in ointments and suppositories.It has application in skin and hair products, acne products and skin tonics.
• The rind of the fruit is a good source of hydroxycitric acid which has been claimed to modify lipid metabolism.