Achachairu (Garcinia humilis) - Seedling - LIVE PLANT

Plant Insights and Care

Achachairu (Garcinia humilis), also known as Achacha, is a small tropical fruit tree originally from the Bolivian Amazon. It is highly valued for its reliability, excellent fruit quality, and compact growth habit. The tree grows 4–6 meters tall, forming a rounded, symmetrical canopy with glossy dark-green leaves.

Achachairu adapts well to hot climates, making it suitable for UAE gardens when given proper moisture and soil preparation. It prefers bright light to full sun, though in the peak of UAE summer (40–45°C), providing light afternoon shade or filtered light helps prevent leaf scorch in young plants. Mature trees handle heat very well.

The tree thrives in well-draining loamy or sandy-loam soil enriched with compost, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–6.5). Sandy UAE soil must be amended with organic matter to improve water retention. Achachairu enjoys consistent deep watering, especially during flowering and fruit set, but must not sit in waterlogged soil. Mulch heavily to keep the root zone cool.

Fertilize every 6–8 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fruit-tree fertilizer. It responds well to additional calcium and magnesium, which support strong fruit development. Growth is moderate, and it typically begins fruiting 4 years from seed.

Key Points:

• Origin: Bolivian Amazon (South America).

• Climate: Tropical; heat-tolerant once established.

• Sun Exposure: Full sun; young trees may need slight afternoon shade in peak summer.

• Watering: Deep, consistent watering; keep soil moist but never waterlogged.

• Soil: Slightly acidic, well-draining loam with compost added.

• Fertilization: Balanced feed every 6–8 weeks; benefits from calcium and magnesium.

• Pruning: Minimal; shape lightly and remove low or crossing branches.

• Growth Rate: Moderate; fruiting usually begins in 4 years.

Fruit Profile

Achachairu produces small orange, egg-shaped fruits with a thin rind that opens easily to reveal creamy-white, juicy arils. The flavor is exceptional — sweet with a bright, pleasant acidity, often described as a mix of mangosteen and lemonade. The fruit is refreshing, hydrating, and highly prized for both fresh eating and juices.

The skin contains natural antioxidants and is sometimes steeped to make a lightly tart, vitamin-rich drink. Fruits store well and can stay fresh for several weeks at room temperature.

Dive into the facts:

• Taste: Sweet, tangy, refreshing — often compared to mangosteen with a citrus twist.

• Appearance: Small orange fruits with white juicy pulp and 1–2 seeds.

• Fun Fact: Achachairu trees are extremely productive — once mature, a single tree can produce hundreds of fruits per season, even in hot climates.