Or Mangosteen, is a tropical evergreen tree with edible fruit native to tropical lands surrounding the Indian Ocean. Its origin is uncertain due to widespread prehistoric cultivation. The tree grows from 6-25m (20-82ft) tall. The fruit of the mangosteen is sweet and tangy, juicy, somewhat fibrous, with fluid-filled vesicles, with an inedible, deep reddish-purple colored rindwhen ripe. The seeds are of similar size and shape to almonds. The fruit may have been used to treat skin infections, wounds, dysentery, urinary tract infections, and gastrointestinal complaints in Asia Mangosteen twigs have been used as chew sticks in Ghana, and the wood has been used to make spears and cabinetry in Thailand.
