Will a single Garcinia prainiana bear fruit?

[SiggyinCR]

I got a Garcinia prainiana from Zill Plantas here in Costa Rica a couple years ago. It struggled the first year but is now growing nicely. I recently came across a video in which they mentioned that only female trees bear fruit. I'm not sure, but I think my tree is grafted. So if it's a female tree will it bear fruit without a male tree around? Or do I need to find some more trees to plant?

[TropicalFruitHunters]

If you are fortunate enough to have flowers that have both male/female parts, then yes, it will bear fruit.  I would not count on it. 

[Finca La Isla]

You will probably need a male tree.  It’s a good idea to plant several seedlings as they generally grow better than the grafted garcinia trees.  I’m disappointed that they didn’t inform you about this species being dioseious.
Peter

[cbss_daviefl]

Female flowers do not produce pollen and generally do not develop into fruit without pollination. 

Here is a picture of a female flower


Here is a picture of a male flower. Male flowers visually appear to be hermaphrodites but do not set fruit. The orange stamen, which look like a smaller set of petals around the central red pistil, are the indicator.   

[Jaboticaba45]

Female flowers do not produce pollen and generally do not develop into fruit without pollination. 

Here is a picture of a female flower


Here is a picture of a male flower. Male flowers visually appear to be hermaphrodites but do not set fruit. The orange stamen, which look like a smaller set of petals around the central red pistil, are the indicator.   

Beautiful trees! Are yours outside unprotected?

Was reading about Bill Whitman's experience growing them and he said they would fruit for him in 3 gallon pots
I think someone could grow them in a cold climate if so given the temps are good.

[cbss_daviefl]

They are growing under shade cloth but otherwise unprotected. They have been exposed to temps in the upper 40s.  They took a beating this spring and summer due to low rain and low humidity until August.  The rainy season typically starts mid May.

My trees did not start flowering until they were around 5 or 6 feet tall in 20 gal pots. I would guess they would need to be grafted to fruit in a 3 gal. I haven't had much luck grafting them or growing them from seed for that matter. I have planted over 100 seeds but only have 2 or 3 seedlings to show for it. 

[SiggyinCR]

Thanks for the advice guys, sounds like I need to find some more trees to plant. Maybe plant 3 or 4 more to have decent odds of getting at least 1 of each sex. Might be getting too close to the dry season for doing it this year. Anyone know how long they take to fruit as seed grown trees? My Mangosteen took 9 years. 

[Finca La Isla]

Where are you in CR?
I have some small ones in my nursery.  If you are close to Zill’s then I would look for more seedlings there.
Here in Puerto Viejo we have limited commercial production of cherapu.
Peter

[Fruit Jungle]

Female flowers do not produce pollen and generally do not develop into fruit without pollination. 

Here is a picture of a female flower


Here is a picture of a male flower. Male flowers visually appear to be hermaphrodites but do not set fruit. The orange stamen, which look like a smaller set of petals around the central red pistil, are the indicator.   

Anyone know if you can use pollen from other Garcinia species or needs to be same species?

[roblack]

I was reading that g. hombroniana and g. dulcis may be compatible, with suggestions that results are "inconsistent." Multiple cherapus appears to be the best way to go. Beautiful trees, I am growing 5.

[SiggyinCR]

Where are you in CR?
I have some small ones in my nursery.  If you are close to Zill’s then I would look for more seedlings there.
Here in Puerto Viejo we have limited commercial production of cherapu.
Peter

I'm in the north. I'll probably will wait till next year, as it's already getting a bit too close to the dry season for planting trees that won't get any irrigation.. I've seen references to your farm and am thinking of making a trip out there next year to see how you grow things and maybe pick up some trees.

[Finca La Isla]

Hi Siggy
Let me know before you come so I can be sure to be available.  Our Saturday farmers market has other rare fruit growers as well.  You can contact me on WhatsApp 8829-4929.
Peter