'Som Kandarn' [GarciniaatroviridisQnii.), a high-potential cultivar for mixed-fruit-cropping orchards and backyard gardens in humid tropical environments

摘要

'Som Kandarn', the local name of a cultivar of Garcinia atroviridis Griff., was found many years ago in Kiriwong village, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand. Growers have planted a few 'Som Kandarn' seedlings in mixed-fruit-cropping orchards in the mountains, especially in low-fertility areas. 'Som Kandarn' has been known in the village as an easy-to-grow fruit tree. Mainly the fruit but also the leaf are used as ingredients in cooking dishes such as curries and soups due to its very sour taste. In the last 10 years, the number of trees grown in the village has increased continuously both in the mountains and in backyard orchards. In recent years, the demand for 'Som Kandarn' fruit has been high, and growers could earn satisfactory incomes from selling fresh or dried fruits, because the dried flesh of 'Som Kandarn' fruit is used for health products to reduce body weight. The chemical components of 'Som Kandarn' fruit [Garcinia atroviridis Griff.) are believed to be similar to those found in 'Malaba tamarind' or Garcinia cambogia Desr., especially hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is well known as an active ingredient to reduce body weight. The characteristics of 'Som Kandarn', how it grows and is harvested and is made into other developed products and its market potential are discussed.