I came across in a public park a grassy area covered with 100′s of these fallen red fruits- image attached, from apx a 20’ tall tree covered in oval green leaves. There were also small very fragrant creme flowers that had fallen from the tree as well. I was tempted to eat one but any locals that I asked about this fruit said it’s most likely poisonous as no birds, squirrels, etc were eating them and they had no idea what the fruit was either. I was thinking if they are poisonous why they would be planted in a public park. /me shrugs In any case I took some home, did some googling and so far my results are that I’m pretty sure it is in the mangosteen family- same type of rind, fruit, seeds, tree looks similar (to my untrained eyes). Similar top leaves on the fruit and a little wheel flower on the bottom. The bottom though is a bit radish shaped; pointy bottom with a knob which lead me to be informed that they are not Garcinia Indica/Kokum Btw I was too tempted to wait to eat a piece – they tasted very sour, yummy and I had no adverse effects. Any idea what this fruit could be? Thank you :)
Nope, definitely a Garcinia or other Clusiaceae species - Diospyros doesn't have that knob at the apex of the fruit.
Actually, internet pictures appear to indicate that kaki persimmon sometimes does have a bump on the end. Not that I'm saying this HAS to be one.
Thank you for the replies RonB and Michael F :) . Yes I'm sure it is in the 'Garcinia or other Clusiaceae species' as you stated Michael F. It feels and looks inside and out the same as a mangosteen except the knob at the end. If I ever do find out I'll be sure to post it here. The kaki persimmon I understand what you are saying RonB about the knob but the skin/rind, fruit, texture, seeds, etc are not similar. Update wish list for internet: scratch, sniff and feel program hehe
