The ripe fruit is mostly used in making sweetmeats or jam. An infusion of the pulp has a narcotic action with an effect like that of nicotine. The root bark extract contains rheediaxanthone and a polyprenylated benzophenone, other lesser constituents, and 3 new prenylated xanthones. Peeled mangosteens, in light sirup, canned in Thailand, are appearing in Asiatic food outlets in the United States. They are defrosted in boiling water for 2 minutes before eating.
Young foliage is reddish.
There is a little flesh, sweet or acid, adhering to the 1 or 2 seeds. It is often planted in Central America as a shade or ornamental tree. It has been grown in the Philippines, Puerto Rico and California. The fruits mature from late January to March in Costa Rica. It is also used for tool handles, fenceposts, and temporary railroad ties.