Mangosteen "Russianka" – a hybrid variety obtained at the Nikitsky Botanical Garden by crossing Virginian and Oriental mangosteen. The tree reaches a height of 3–4 m, has a round crown with a diameter of up to 3 meters, and the branching form is two-stemmed, oval. The fruit weighs from 120 g to 140 g (50–100 g in Ukrainian descriptions), has a yellow-orange color, a very sweet taste, and aroma. Ripening occurs in early October, and fruits are preserved until December.
"Russianka" is distinguished by high frost resistance: the tree withstands temperatures from –27 °C to –32 °C, which makes it suitable for growing even in cold regions. Seedlings usually give the first harvest in the 3–4 year after planting. The fruit yield reaches 40–55 kg from one tree.
Seedlings are resistant to most diseases and do not require chemical treatment, however, when growing under Ukrainian conditions, regular watering (about once a week 50–100 l) and mulching of the root zone are recommended to protect from overheating. In the presence of cold winters, the tree up to 3–4 years of age needs shelter. Thanks to its resistance, sweet taste, and long storage period, the mangosteen "Russianka" is widely used both in fresh form and in dried or canned format.
