Garcinia spicata

The Garlic Fruit Tree—not to be confused with Sacred Garlic Pear AND ALSO not to be confused with traditional garlic—is a member of the Garcinia family, standing alongside trees like Lemon Drop Mangosteen and Achachairu.

Also called Bitter Garcinia and (inexplicably) “The King of Fruits”, Garlic fruits are used traditionally as Ayurvedic medicine and food. This Indian and Sri Lankan native thrives in an array of soil conditions, including under salt spray.

Garlic fruits’ flavor is bitter and pungent when unripe, but sweetens at full maturity. Some describe it as similar to durian. For best flavor and sweetness, allow fruits to fall off the tree on their own.

Garcinia spicata makes a great hedge plant, and is an especially good choice for beachside homes. Trim regularly to avoid top-heaviness issues. Related to the ubiquitous Clusia hedge plant.

Size - 20’ ft tall x 15’ Wide - can become top-heavy

Notable Characteristics - Highly salt-tolerant; makes a good choice for beachside landscaping

Sun Requirements - Full sun preferred, but accepts some shade.

Cold Hardy - Zones 10-11; can sustain short periods of 30 F

Harvest Season - Uncertain?