Garcinia cowa

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Garcinia cowa
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Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Clusiaceae
Genus: Garcinia
Species:
G. cowa
Binomial name
Garcinia cowa
Roxb.

Garcinia cowa, commonly known as cowa fruit or cowa mangosteen [2] is an evergreen plant with edible fruit native to Asia, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and southwest China. The tree is harvested from the wild for its edible fruits and leaves, which are used locally. [3] Flowers are yellow, male & female flowers are separated. [2]

Contents

It is locally known as Kau Thekera (কাও থেকেৰা) in Assamese, Kawa or kau in Bengali and Malayalam, Kau in Manipuri. [2]

Uses

Culinary

The fruit can be eaten raw and has an acidic flavor. It is used in curries as a tamarind-like flavoring, as well as being used for making pickles. It can be made into slices and sun-dried as a way to preserve it. Its leaves can also be cooked and eaten. [3]

Folk medicine

In Thailand Garcinia cowa has been used in the local folk medicine, the bark as an antipyretic and antimicrobial, the latex as an antipuretic, and the fruits and leaves to improve blood circulation, as an expectorant for coughs and indigestion, and a laxative. The roots are believed to relieve fevers, and in East India, sun-dried slices of the fruit have been used as a treatment for dysentery. [4]

Anti-malarial

Studies have found that the bark contains five xanthones with anti-malarial properties in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum . [4]

Dyes and resins

The bark is also used to produce a yellow dye for clothes. The gum resin is used in varnishes.[ citation needed ]

See also

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<i>Garcinia indica</i> Species of tree

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Garcinia binucao is a species of flowering plant in the Clusiaceae family. It is commonly known as binukaw or batuan, is a species of Garcinia endemic to the Philippines. It is not cultivated, though its edible fruits are harvested from the wild for use as a souring agent in some Filipino dishes.

<i>Garcinia xanthochymus</i> Species of flowering plant

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<i>Garcinia sessilis</i> Species of flowering plant

Garcinia sessilis, commonly known as heilala in Tongan, is an evergreen tree native to the Pacific regions of Tonga. The heilala flower is the national flower of Tonga.

Garcinia forbesii, commonly known as the rose kandis or kandis, is a small to medium-sized tree in the family Clusiaceae (Guttiferae). The specific epithet (forbesii) honors Scottish naturalist Henry Ogg Forbes.

References

  1. Deepu, S.; Geethakumary, M.P. (2020). "Garcinia cowa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020: e.T61988928A61988973. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T61988928A61988973.en . Retrieved 18 December 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 "Garcinia cowa Roxb. ex DC". India Biodiversity Portal. Retrieved 2020-07-05.
  3. 1 2 "Garcinia cowa - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2020-07-05.
  4. 1 2 T. K., Lim (2012). Edible Medicinal And Non-Medicinal Plants. Springer. ISBN   9789400717640.