Mangosteen

Mangosteen might be small, but it’s full of surprises. This tropical gem, often crowned the “queen of fruits,” is not just delicious—it’s got a story, a legacy, and some pretty cool botanical quirks. Let’s dive into some fun facts about this exotic favorite that might just make you love it even more.

First off, mangosteen isn’t related to mango—despite the similar name. Instead, it belongs to the Clusiaceae family, the same plant family as the glossy-leafed Autograph tree (Clusia rosea), known for leaves you can literally write on.

The fruit’s rind is thick, deep purple, and almost woody, which makes opening a mangosteen feel like unlocking a treasure chest. Inside? Juicy, snow-white segments that taste like a mix of peach, citrus, and a hint of vanilla—some even say it’s the best-tasting fruit on Earth.

Legend has it that Queen Victoria once offered a reward to anyone who could bring her fresh mangosteen, which is how it earned its royal nickname. Fancy, right?

Unlike popular tropical fruits like rambutan, jackfruit, papaya, pineapple, star fruit, and banana, mangosteen is famously slow-growing. Trees can take up to 10 years to bear fruit—but oh, is it worth the wait.

Also cool? Mangosteen seeds aren’t true seeds—they’re actually formed through a process called apomixis, meaning the fruit clones itself without pollination. So each tree is like nature’s own little photocopier.

Whether you’re a fruit fanatic or just curious about tropical oddities, mangosteen proves that good things really do come in small, purple packages.