A unique feature of the Eco Park near Five Falls in Courtallam is that both mango, the ‘king of fruits’ and mangosteen, the ‘queen of fruits,’ endemic to particular regions are grown at one place.
According to S. Raja Mohamed, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Tirunelveli, one cannot find these two species growing at one place anywhere else in south India. Courtallam, ‘the spa of south India,’ is conducive to grow trees endemic to both tropical (mango) and temperate (mangosteen) regions. Even pepper, nutmeg, clove and plantation crops such as areca nut thrive here, he says.
At the Eco Park, one can find tropical plants such as mango, sapota and gooseberry and temperate ones such as mangosteen, rambutan, velvet apple and durian. Pothigai hills in Western Ghats, especially the Courtallam range, has good agro-climatic factors such as temperature, elevation, humidity and rainfall, Mr. Mohamed says.
Mango, essentially a tropical crop, is grown in subtropical climate from sea level to an altitude of about 1,400 metres.
The annual mean temperature ranging from 21 degree Celsius to 27 degree Celsius is ideal for mango, though it tolerates five degrees to 44 degrees. Higher temperature during the fruit development stage helps in maturity and improves fruit size and quality.
Mango generally grows well in areas that receive an average annual rainfall of 250 mm to 1,500 mm. Higher rainfall prior to flowering will induce excessive growth and arrest the flowering process, Mr. Mohamed says.
Mangosteen tree, which bears deep purple fruits, can grow upto 10 to 15 meters with angular branches. Mangosteen loves humid tropical conditions.
High humidity, high temperature with abundant rainfall and shady environment are factors favourable for mangosteen, Mr. Mohamed says.
Mangosteen can withstand a maximum temperature of 35 degrees. If the temperature goes below 20 degrees, the growth gets retarded.
Other temperate crops such as rambutan, durian, velvet apple and spices are also grown elsewhere in the foothills of the Western Ghats.
Normally, fruit crops are capable of giving higher tonnage per unit area than field crops.
At the serene Eco Park, tourists can saunter along beautiful mangosteen and mango trees, besides enjoying salubrious Courtallam weather, Mr. Mohamed adds.
