The sour mango, also known locally as asem kiat, is a very rare mango variety from Southeast Asia. The fruits are as sour as a lime, which is unusual for a mango. The variety grows mainly in the low-lying rainforests of Malaysia and Indonesia, where it can reach heights of up to 45 metres. The branches with leaves sometimes only appear at a height of 30 metres on large trees. The fruits appear outside the season of other mango varieties, especially after a dry period. This often makes it the only fruit available at such times. The green-brown fruits have green-white flesh, are around 10 cm in size and have juicy flesh. The local population traditionally uses the bark of this tree for medicinal purposes. This has also made this mango species the subject of scientific research. Unfortunately, the widespread use of the bark has put the species under pressure in the wild. It is possible that the species no longer occurs in Malaysia.
In temperate climates, the species can be kept as a houseplant. As it is a tropical tree, the plant requires high humidity and the soil must be kept constantly moist. The species can be kept in a warm place with plenty of indirect light.
Sowing description: Sow the seed directly into seed and cutting compost at a temperature of 25-30 °C. Keep the soil constantly slightly moist.
