Garciniakusumae:
Botanist’s discovered a new garcinia species in Assam and named it as Garciniakusumae.
- Garciniakusumae is a new tree species belonging to the genus Garcinia, commonly referred to as thoikora in
- It is a dioecious evergreen tree that can grow up to 18 metres tall, Garcinia kusumae was observed to flower from February to April, with fruit maturing between May and June.
- Morphological analysis revealed distinguishing characteristics, including up to 15 staminate flowers per fascicle, fewer stamens per flower (except in Garcinia assamica), and berries with blackish resinous exudations.
- The fruit holds local cultural and medicinal value.
- According to the study, the sun-dried pulp is used to prepare a sherbet(soft drink) with salt and sugar, consumed during hot days to prevent heat stroke and alleviate thirst.
- It is also used in curries with fish and employed as a traditional remedy for diabetes and dysentery.
- The seed aril, slightly sour and sweet, is eaten raw, often with salt, chillies, and a dash of mustard oil.
