rata

tree and fruit

Also known as: Garcinia tinctorea, yellow mangosteen

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "rata" can refer to a tree or its wood. Specifically, it can denote a tree of the genus Metrosideros, with two notable New Zealand timber trees, M. robusta and M. lucida. The hard, dark red wood from these trees was historically used by the Maori people for making paddles and war clubs.1

Additionally, "rata" can refer to a fruit-bearing tree within the Garcinia genus. For example, Garcinia tinctorea is known as rata or yellow mangosteen and produces a peach-sized yellow fruit with a pointed end and a buttery, acidic flesh.2

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Garcinia
Rata, or yellow mangosteen (G. tinctorea), produces a peach-sized yellow fruit with a pointed end and acid-flavoured buttery yellow flesh. Bacupari (G. gardneriana) is native to South America and produces an edible aril. Garlic fruit, or bitter garcinia (G. spicata), is planted as an ornamental…
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Rata, or yellow mangosteen (G. tinctorea), produces a peach-sized yellow fruit with a pointed end and acid-flavoured buttery yellow flesh. Bacupari (G. gardneriana) is native to South America and produces an edible aril. Garlic fruit, or bitter garcinia (G. spicata), is planted as an ornamental…
Read More