Bor-Thekera Live Plants (Garcinia Pedunculata)

The Bor-Thekera, scientifically known as Garcinia Pedunculata, is an evergreen tree closely related to the more well-known purple mangosteen. It thrives in semi-wild conditions and is widely distributed across the northeastern regions of India. This tangy fruit is highly valued by the people of Assam. The tree displays a fluted trunk with short, spreading branches.

The fruit of the Bor-Thekera is characterized by its smooth texture and yellow or orange-yellow color. These fruits are ring-shaped, containing juicy, edible arils in their interior. The ripe fruit is commonly consumed both cooked and raw. It's typical to slice the ripe or raw fruits, sun-dry them, and preserve them for future use.

The Bor-Thekera has a history of medicinal use, particularly for digestive ailments. It is known for its cleansing effects on urine and feces and is considered a cardiac tonic, making it beneficial for heart health. It's also employed to alleviate issues such as severe constipation and abdominal colic pain.

Commonly referred to as Malabar tamarind or Gambooge, the Bor-Thekera tree usually starts bearing fruit 8-10 years after planting. It requires a moderate level of maintenance.