Family: Clusiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Garcinia intermedia, commonly known as lemon drop mangosteen or monkey fruit, is a small tropical fruit tree native to Central America, particularly regions from southern Mexico to Panama. It typically grows 10–20 feet tall, with a dense, rounded canopy of glossy green leaves. The tree produces small, bright yellow fruits about the size of a cherry tomato, with a thin skin and juicy pulp that has a pleasantly tart, citrus-like flavor. The fruit is enjoyed fresh and is sometimes used in beverages, preserves, and desserts. Due to its manageable size, attractive foliage, and flavorful fruit, lemon drop mangosteen is a popular choice for home gardens and small orchards in tropical and subtropical regions.

Risks & Threats:
Lemon drop mangosteen is considered a low-risk species and is not known to be invasive in Hawaiʻi. It does not exhibit aggressive spreading behavior, and its seeds are typically dispersed over short distances, limiting its ability to establish beyond cultivated areas. While it may occasionally germinate from discarded fruit, it has not been observed forming dense stands or displacing native vegetation. As with any introduced species, responsible cultivation—such as proper disposal of fruit and monitoring for volunteer seedlings—is recommended. Overall, Garcinia intermedia is a suitable and environmentally responsible choice for tropical landscapes.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Other Garcinia species may be weedy or invasive
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seed
  
• Reaches maturity in 2-3 years
  
• Seeds dispersed by frugivorous mammals and intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Ornamental
  
• Dioecious
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Fruit and seeds relatively large and unlikely to be accidentally dispersed
  
• Seeds lose viability quickly (unlikely to form persistent seed bank)