The Achachairu (Garcinia humilis), also known as achacha or achachairú, is a tropical fruit tree from the Clusiaceae family, gaining popularity in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. This species, belonging to the Clusiaceae family, offers multiple benefits by combining ornamental value with the production of exotic fruits with a unique flavor.
The Achachairu was previously classified as Rheedia laterifolia and also appears in some records as Garcinia laterifolia. Recent molecular studies place the Achachairu as closely related to other economically important species of the Garcinia genus, such as mangosteen (G. mangostana) and bacupari (G. gardneriana).
The Achachairu is native to the tropical regions of Bolivia, particularly the plains and eastern slopes of the Bolivian Andes, where it has been cultivated for centuries by indigenous populations. Its natural habitat is characterized by mid-altitude Amazonian forests (300–1000 m), with moderate temperatures and well-distributed rainfall throughout the year.
Currently, its cultivation has expanded to other South American countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, as well as tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Florida in the United States. This expansion demonstrates its adaptability to different climatic conditions, provided its basic requirements are met.
The genus name “Garcinia” honors Laurent Garcin (1683–1751), a French naturalist who studied tropical plants. The specific epithet “humilis” means “low-growing” or “close to the ground,” referring to the plant’s relatively small stature compared to other species in the same genus. The common name “Achachairu” derives from the Guarani language, meaning approximately “flowing honey” or “honey fruit,” in reference to the sweet and aromatic pulp of its fruits.
The Achachairu is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that may have a single trunk or branch from the base, forming a multi-stemmed structure. It typically reaches 2–6 meters (6.5–20 ft) in height when mature, although in its natural habitat, it can grow up to 10 meters (33 ft). It has a dense, symmetrical, and relatively compact canopy, with a pyramidal to rounded shape, enhancing its ornamental appeal. The canopy spreads significantly horizontally, reaching about 7 meters (23 ft) in width.
It develops a moderately deep root system, with a main taproot and well-branched secondary roots. This characteristic provides good anchorage and soil exploration capacity but also requires careful handling during transplantation.
The trunk has grayish to dark brown bark, slightly fissured in mature individuals. The branches are initially green, becoming woody over time, arranged oppositely and often growing horizontally to slightly drooping, giving the plant a distinct architectural appearance. A notable feature is the presence of yellow latex exuded when the bark or branches are injured, a common trait among Clusiaceae family plants.
The leaves are simple, opposite, evergreen, leathery, and glossy. They have an elliptical to oblong shape, with a slightly acuminate apex and a cuneate base, with smooth to slightly wavy margins. They typically measure 10–15 cm (4–6 in) in length and 4–6 cm (1.5–2.5 in) in width. The upper (adaxial) surface is dark green, while the lower (abaxial) surface is a lighter green.
The venation is pinnate, with a prominent central vein and secondary veins running parallel. The leaves have short (1–1.5 cm / 0.4–0.6 in) and robust petioles. The arrangement of the leaves on the branches, combined with their texture and color, gives the plant a distinct ornamental quality, making it valuable for landscaping purposes.
The Achachairu’s flowers are small (1–1.5 cm / 0.4–0.6 in in diameter), unisexual (dioecious plant, with separate male and female individuals), and range in color from greenish-white to creamy. They are arranged in axillary inflorescences, usually in groups of 2–4 flowers.
Male flowers have numerous stamens (15–25) clustered at the center. Female flowers feature a superior ovary with 4–6 locules and a sessile, disc-shaped, lobed stigma. Both types of flowers have four free, fleshy, and rounded sepals and petals. Flowering occurs mainly in spring, though it may vary depending on local climatic conditions.
The fruits are ovoid to globose berries, measuring 3–5 cm (1.2–2 in) in diameter, with a thick, smooth, and orange-reddish pericarp (rind) when ripe. The pulp is white, juicy, and divided into segments (similar to a small orange), with a sweet and slightly acidic taste reminiscent of a blend of mango, lemon, and nectarine.
Each fruit contains 1–4 relatively large (1–2 cm / 0.4–0.8 in), flattened seeds encased in the pulp. Fruit maturation generally occurs in summer and early autumn, approximately 3–4 months after flowering. Some varieties can develop seedless (parthenocarpic) fruits under specific environmental conditions, a trait valued in breeding programs.
The Achachairu possesses multiple attributes that make it valuable for landscaping applications. Its compact size, symmetrical and dense canopy make it ideal as a focal element in medium-sized gardens, especially in areas where vertical space is limited, such as under power lines or near buildings.
Its uniform growth and dense foliage allow for its use in rows or medium-sized hedges. When planted 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) apart, they form effective visual barriers that also produce fruit.
It is an excellent addition to themed gardens, particularly tropical or ethnobotanical gardens, ornamental orchards, and sensory gardens due to the texture of its leaves and the fragrance of its fruit. Its naturally compact growth allows for cultivation in large pots, making it suitable for terraces, patios, or well-lit indoor areas.
It aligns perfectly with the concepts of productive landscaping and permaculture, where ornamental plants also serve food or other functional purposes. It can be incorporated into sustainable and biodiverse projects aimed at food production in urban environments.
The Achachairu is a plant with multiple uses beyond its ornamental value. Its primary use is the fresh consumption of its fruit. The white, succulent pulp is eaten by separating it from the pericarp, which is discarded due to its bitter taste. It can also be processed into juices and refreshing beverages, ice creams and desserts, preserves and jams, and artisanal liqueurs.
The fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, soluble fiber, phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Preliminary research suggests potential antidiabetic and lipid-lowering properties, though broader studies are needed to confirm these effects.
In Bolivian folk medicine, different parts of the plant are used. The bark is used in decoctions for digestive issues, the latex has topical applications for wounds and skin infections, the roots are brewed into tea for kidney problems, and the seeds have vermifuge properties. Recent studies are investigating the extraction of bioactive compounds for the pharmaceutical industry, seed oil for cosmetics, and tannins from the bark for natural tanning processes.
The Achachairu is adapted to tropical and humid subtropical climates, with an optimal temperature range of 22-32°C (72-90°F). The minimum tolerated temperature is approximately 5°C (41°F) for short periods, while the maximum can reach 40°C (104°F) if well irrigated. In regions with cold winters below 5°C (41°F), protected cultivation or growing in movable pots is recommended.
It prefers deep soils, at least 60 cm (24 inches), well-drained, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0), medium to clayey texture, and good organic matter content. It has good water retention capacity without waterlogging but does not tolerate compacted, saline soils or those with a high water table.
Garcinia humilis thrives best in full sun for maximum fruit production but tolerates partial shade, requiring at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors, it should be placed near windows with good sun exposure. Young plants benefit from partial shading in their early years, especially in equatorial regions with intense solar radiation. In subtropical regions, growth may slow during winter, though the plant retains its leaves.
Watering requirements vary by growth stage. During establishment in the first year, frequent irrigation is necessary to keep the soil consistently moist. Mature plants need supplemental irrigation during dry periods. Before flowering, a slight controlled water deficit can encourage more abundant blooming. During fruit development, irrigation should be regular and consistent to prevent premature fruit drop. Automated irrigation systems, such as drip or micro-sprinklers, are recommended for greater efficiency.
The Achachairu adapts to different humidity conditions, preferring an optimal range of 60-80%. It tolerates periods of low humidity if well-watered, but in excessively humid conditions above 90% for extended periods, it may become more susceptible to fungal diseases.
As a dioecious plant, with separate male and female individuals, it requires cross-pollination to bear fruit. Therefore, planning is necessary to ensure both sexes are present in an orchard. In its natural habitat, small insects, primarily native bees, perform pollination.
For fertilization, incorporate 300-500 g (10.5-17.5 oz) of organic compost or well-aged cattle manure into the planting hole. During vegetative growth, fertilizers with a higher nitrogen content, such as NPK 10-5-5, are recommended. Before flowering, nitrogen is reduced while phosphorus and potassium are increased, using NPK 5-10-10. After harvest, additional organic fertilization is advised. Foliar fertilization with micronutrients, especially zinc, boron, and magnesium, can be beneficial during fruit growth and development.
Training pruning is performed during the first 2-3 years to establish a basic structure with 3-4 main branches. This pruning should aim for a broad, well-sunlit canopy that facilitates future harvesting. Sanitary pruning involves the removal of damaged, diseased, or poorly positioned branches. When used in confined spaces or formal landscaping, containment pruning (growth control) is applied. For older plants, rejuvenation pruning is recommended to encourage new shoots. The best time for pruning is after fruit harvest and before new budding.
The Achachairu is relatively resilient but can be affected by pests such as mealybugs, especially in dry periods, mites, which cause leaf bronzing, and fruit flies, which can infest the fruits. Among the most common diseases are anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., root rot in poorly drained soils, and gummosis in excessively humid conditions. It may also be susceptible to fruit sunburn, nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron and boron, and fruit cracking due to irregular irrigation.
Propagation can occur by seeds, although this results in offspring with different characteristics from the parent plant and a longer juvenile period of 4-6 years before the first fruiting. Vegetative methods such as cuttings, grafting, and air layering preserve the characteristics of the parent plant and shorten the time to fruit production. However, well-established seed-grown specimens can live for several decades, with records of plants over 50 years old still productive in their native habitat.
