Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a tropical evergreen tree growing six to twenty-five metres tall, with leathery leaves and round fruits that have a thick purple rind around sweet white segments. Native to the Malay Peninsula, it is grown in parts of South India, including Kerala.

The fruit rind is rich in tannins and has traditionally been used in Southeast Asian and Indian folk practice in preparations for skin care and digestive comfort. The fruit itself is eaten fresh.