The mangosteen is an ultra-tropical plant, usually only grown in areas without a dry season and within 10 degrees of the equator. It is usually grown from sea level up to 1,000 metres elevation, but the growth rate is higher in lowland areas. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 30°c, but can tolerate 15 - 40°c. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 4°c, nor above 38°c. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,600 - 2,000mm, but tolerates 1,100 - 2,800mm. Succeeds in full sun and in light shade. Requires a good, deep, rich organic soil that retains moisture but is also well-drained. Grows best in a fertile clay with good drainage. Prefers an acid soil. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6, tolerating 4.3 - 7.5. Plants are intolerant of drought. The mangosteen must be sheltered from strong winds and salt spray. It takes at least 8 years before a tree commences bearing fruit, but yields of 200 - 1,500 fruits per tree have been recorded from mature specimens. In cooler climates it can take 15 - 20 years for plants to produce their first fruit from seed. Trees produce an economical yield of fruit for about 50 years. Stress should be avoided;a tree which is visibly suffering seldom recovers. Plants resent root disturbance. Only female forms of this plant are known, but they are able to produce fruit without fertilization. There are some named forms. The plants grow very well when banana plants are grown around them to provide wind shelter and plenty of mulch material. Some of the most fruitful mangosteen trees grow on the banks of streams, lakes, ponds or canals where the roots are almost constantly wet. However, dry weather just before blooming time and during flowering induces a good fruit-set. Spacing: 20-30 ft. .