Garcinia indica (Kokam-कोकम)

Garcinia indica or Kokam tree is native to India and is found naturally growing on Western Ghat area. It is a very tall, evergreen and erect growing tree with very dense and glossy foliage. It is quite resistant to droughts. New leaves have reddish tinge. The tree belongs to Clusiaceae family.

Kokam tree flowers in winter and fruits mature in summer. Tiny flowers are greenish white in colour. Unripe fruit are green and on ripening they become deep red, speckled with white dots. Pulp and the juicy skin are sour in taste and possess pleasant aroma. Fruits are used for making syrup and digestive Kokam Saar or Solkadhi (कोकम सार, सोलकढी), concoction of coconut milk and Kokam juice. For making the saar, normally dehydrated fruits, called as Amsul (आमसुल), are used. Amsul is also used as souring agent in cooking foods. The fruit has many medicinal uses. Oil extracted from seeds is called as Kokam butter and has many uses in cosmetics. This oil becomes solid at room temperature. It is also used for healing cracked foot heels. Other common names for the fruit are Kokam, Amsul, Bhirund, Birund and Raatamba. The tree is propagated from seeds. These days grafted plants too are available in nurseries.

Flower

immature fruit

Ripe fruit

Seeds