Kokam ( Garcinia indica Linn.)

Kokum
Garcinia indica Linn.
Family: Clusiaceae

A small to medium sized tree. Leaves simple, dark green, elliptic-ovate. Flowers borne in fascicles. Fruits ovoid, yellow or red when ripe.

Common Names:
Konkan, Amrita
English: Kokum, Goa Butter Tree, Kokum Butter Tree
Sanskrit: Vrikshamla, Amlabija, Raktavikshamla, Amlapura, Amlashaka
Kannada: Murgina, Punarpuli, Devana Hul

Distribution:
Found in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, South Gujarat, Assam and West Bengal.

Part Used:
Ripe fruit.

Cultivation:

Soil and Climate:
Can be grown in a variety of soils and under different agro-climatic conditions.

Nursery Raising and Planting:
Propagated mainly by softwood grafting. Planting is done during July–August.

Thinning and Weeding:
Weeding and thinning are carried out as required, usually after 15–20 days.

Manures, Fertilisers and Pesticides:
Preferably grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Organic manures such as Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermi-compost and Green manure may be applied as required. Bio-pesticides prepared from Neem (kernel, seeds and leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura and Cow’s urine may be used for disease management.

Irrigation:
Generally grown as rainfed crop. Regular irrigation is not commonly practiced for established orchards.

Harvesting / Post-Harvesting Operation:
Harvesting is carried out during March–April. Fruits (and bark, where applicable) are removed and shade dried.

Yield:
Ripe fruit yield: Approximately 8.5 tonnes per hectare.

Economics (Year – 2001):
Expenditure per hectare: Rs. 13,000/-
Return per hectare: Rs. 47,300/-
Net income: Rs. 34,300/-

Note: Market for medicinal plants is volatile and economics may vary.

Uses:
Used in culinary and industrial applications as an acidulant in curries and pickles, in health drinks, wine and butter preparation. Traditionally used in medicine for treatment of inflammation, dermatitis, diarrhea and to promote digestion.