Kokum Tree Seeds

Garcinia indica (Kokum Tree) Seeds

Botanical Name: Garcinia indica
Common Names: Kokum, Black Kokam, Cocum, Goa Butter Tree, Fish Tamarind
Family: Clusiaceae
Plant Type: Slow-growing evergreen fruit tree
Height: Up to 20 metres
Width: Up to 7 metres
Life Cycle: Perennial
Position: Full sun to part shade
Climate: Subtropical, Tropical, Mediterranean (frost-free areas only)
Soil: Moist, well-drained; pH 5.5–7.5
Water Requirements: Light to medium (tolerates short dry periods once established)
Pollination: Male and female flowers grow on separate trees; at least one male tree required to pollinate up to 10 female trees
Uses: Culinary, medicinal, ornamental, cosmetic

Description:
Garcinia indica, commonly known as Kokum, is a tropical fruiting tree native to the Western Ghats of India. A relative of the Mangosteen, Kokum is cultivated for its tangy, dark red fruits used in traditional Indian beverages like Sol Kadi, as a tamarind substitute in cooking, and in the cosmetic industry for its seed butter. The tree features a pyramidal crown, glossy dark green leaves, and waxy pink flowers, with female trees bearing clusters of sour, juicy fruits that are rich in antioxidants and believed to offer anti-cancer properties.

This hardy species thrives in warm, humid climates with high rainfall, but can also tolerate poor soils and short dry periods, making it suitable for low-maintenance tropical and subtropical gardens. While slow to mature, Kokum makes an excellent ornamental shade tree and valuable long-term addition to food forests and sustainable orchards.

When to Sow Kokum Seeds:
Best sown in spring to early summer in tropical and subtropical regions when soil temperatures are consistently above 20°C. Not frost tolerant—protect seedlings from cold.

How to Sow Kokum Seeds:

• Sowing Depth: 2–3 cm
• Position: Warm, humid location in full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter
• Spacing: Allow at least 5–7 metres between trees
• Germination Time: 3–6 weeks (can take up to 6 months)
• Germination Temperature: 20–30°C
• Germination Rate: 65–75%
• Seed Preparation: No stratification required; soak seeds in lukewarm water overnight for faster germination

How to Grow Kokum:
Seedlings should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Transplant into larger containers or open ground when they are 15–20 cm tall. Young plants are sensitive to frost and wind, so protect them during their early years. Fertilisation is generally not necessary in native or organic-rich soils. No major pest or disease issues reported. Once established, Kokum trees require minimal care.

Kokum is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers appear on separate trees. It’s not possible to determine the sex of a plant from seed, so grow several to ensure fruiting. Trees begin flowering between 8–20 years of age and may yield up to 12 kg of fruit annually once mature.

Harvest & Use:
Fruits ripen in summer and should be harvested when fully developed. The rind is used fresh or dried for culinary and medicinal purposes. Seeds yield kokum butter, used in skincare and cooking. Flowers are small and waxy pink; fruits are round, reddish-purple when ripe, and contain 3–8 seeds.

Maturity:
8–20 years to full maturity and fruiting, depending on growing conditions.