Wanted: Rheedia Longifolia "Charichuela" in Florida

[Hollywood]

I have looked for this sugar lemon tree everywhere and can't find one! I live in South Florida. Can anyone provide any leads?

- Katie

[Tomas]

Hello Katie,

To be honest, I don't think that's going to be easy to find that tree. But you may want to start with seeds instead. That's what I do for rare species. Somewhere on this forum there is a topic about online stores for seeds and plants but I cannot find it.

Tomas

[murahilin]

Hello Katie,

To be honest, I don't think that's going to be easy to find that tree. But you may want to start with seeds instead. That's what I do for rare species. Somewhere on this forum there is a topic about online stores for seeds and plants but I cannot find it.

Tomas

The link for seed sources is in the FAQ.

[Berto]

Katie,
The only charichuela I have seen in Florida, recently, was recovering from the cold weather we had few years ago.  Charichuela is very cold sensitive and difficult to grow.  Achachairu is a much easier garcinia to grow here in south Florida.  They are much cold resistant than charichuela.  I grow achachairu and I have some nice looking 3 and 4 feet seedlings that I may sell if the person is willing to come and get them here in Fort Myers.  I will not ship my trees.  If anyone is interested send me an email.  Thank you!

[FlyingFoxFruits]

looks alot like my G. madruno...what's the difference?

Katie, try asking for a synonym of this plant (G. longifolia)

you are in great peril of accidentally getting the wrong garcinia species...I've been handed the wrong plant on several occasions...annonas, and garcinias! these get confused the most!

[Berto]

The charichuela I saw was a seedling from a charichuela planted by the great fruit pioneer, Bill Whitman.

[Hollywood]

Thanks for the replies! I've decided to abandon my search for any citrus trees, given the problems they've been having in Florida.

[FlyingFoxFruits]

Katie,
I hope u don't think charichuela is a citrus species.

it related to mangosteen

[FlyingFoxFruits]

k

[Hollywood]

I did think that, actually! It looks like it, supposedly tastes like it, and a nurseryman told me that it is citrus. But, good news if it is not (but would be better if I could get my hands on one in South Florida).

[Tomas]

Hi,

There are many other Garcinia species that are worth growing, and that should grow well in the Florida climate.

Tomas

[FlyingFoxFruits]

they aren't hard to find!  try getting one out of PR or HI

u will end up paying about $50-60 for a 3 ft tree, delivered.

montoso gardens doesn't have them??  get a grafted one!!! they are harder to find, but worth the extra cash...I bought one that was supposed to be grafted, but wasn't!!  I got a $20 refund though...so I got a 3ft tree delivered for $30 total...worked out very nice...it's very beautiful just with new leaves...I bet I've got another 2 or 3 yrs before it flowers.

[Berto]

Tomas,
Do you have any charichuelas?

[Tomas]

Hi Berto,

If charichuela is same as Garcinia madruno then the answer is yes.

Tomas

[Berto]

Tomas,
Thank you!
Garcinia names are a bit confusing!

[Hollywood]

Does it really taste like lemon cotton candy? How many years to fruit?

[Tomas]

Hi Hollywood,

My Garcinia madruno plants are really small. Many years until fruiting. So I don't know what they taste like but they are supposed to be from a sweet variety of Garcinia madruno.

Tomas

[Hollywood]

Hi Hollywood,

My Garcinia madruno plants are really small. Many years until fruiting. So I don't know what they taste like but they are supposed to be from a sweet variety of Garcinia madruno.

Tomas

We, the Impatient, salute you. And now, I can cross the "bumpy lemon" (or Charichuela or whatever it is called) off my list!

-Katie