Imbe (Garcinia livingstonei)
Although our love of tropical fruit encompasses a world of unique flavors, few stand out as much as Imbe. This plant is a must-have for any rare tropical fruit hunter. At Sow Exotic, we love collecting rare Garcinia's and Imbe is a very special favorite!
Clusters of flowers grow on the axils of the tree’s branches throughout the spring and produces fruit throughout the summer. When in season, the bright orange plum-shaped Imbe fruit is really something to marvel at! Imbe fruit has a distinct Garcinia-like flavor profile with sweet, acidic, somewhat citrusy notes.
Imbe trees are native to tropical Africa, from Côte d'Ivoire east to Somalia, and south to South Africa. Imbe isn't particular about growing conditions and is drought tolerant once established. Imbe trees can be found in scrub, open woodland and forest, along rivers, woodland and even entwined with termite mounds.
Imbe (Garcinia livingstonei) goes by many names throughout its native regions, including Wild Mangosteen, Lowveld Mangosteen, Mutumbi, and Mpekechu
(Our limited release Imbe trees in pot size X-Large are mature fruiting/flowering age and stand about 3-5 ft tall)
Plant Type:
Tropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Summer
Mature Size:
10-15 ft tall without pruning to its naturally conical shape and about 20-30 ft in their native habitat
Soil & Moisture:
Adaptable; Prefers well-drained soil with near neutral pH and rich in organic matter
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes. Seedling trees can be either male, female, or self-pollinating hermaphrodite and we advise having multiple plants to increase probability of production.
Growth Rate:
Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Medium Pot Size: Grown from seed. Imbe are known to fruit prolifically within 6 years of planting.
Large Pot Size: Capable to produce within 5 years.
Shop all Garcinia varieties.
