A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z
Other Names: Manga
Related To:
Cashew, Marula, Pistachio
Main Uses:
Fruit, shade.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Mature Height/Spread:
Depends on the variety and the climate. Many fruiting cultivars are dwarfed. Wild trees can reach 100 feet in ideal climates. Round canopy often maintains the same width as the height of tree.
Flowering/Pollination:
Panicles lined with many small white/yellow flowers, sometime emitting an unpleasant smell. Pollinated by flies. Attracting flies to the trees during flowering will help significantly to set more fruit. Flowering is provoked by dry spells. Some varieties flower twice a tear, and a few, such as the miracle mango ("Choc-anon") flower sporadically throughout the year.
Tolerance:
Moderate tolerance of both salt and drought.
Soil/Nutrition:
Well-drained soil is important for this species. Rich soils will ensure good fruiting.
Light:
Full sun.
Wind:
Most trees are rather stout and sturdy, but some cultivars can be less wind resistant.
Temperature:
Depends on the variety. Most established trees can tolerate brief drops to around freezing.
Dangers:
Sap and fruit can cause irritation in a select few people who are sensitive to the oils. Mangifera species belong to the same family as poison ivy.
Diseases Prone:
Scale is common on container-grown plants. Anthracnose is another common problem.
Bearing Age:
4-6 years from seed, sooner from grafted trees.
Fruit:
Many fruits ripen based on the coloration of the variety being grown. Sometimes the coloration is not the best indication of ripeness. Without a doubt, mango fruits taste best when left to mature on the tree. In Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, the fruits are harvested green and eaten while sour. Mangoes also vary somewhat in their shapes and sizes. Some varities are quite large, while others are rather small. Small mangoes are called "condo mangoes" and are generally sweeter and more dessert-like in taste.
History/Origin:
Mangoes are very widely grown in the tropics, the world over. Mangoes began to be cultivated in India more than 4,000 years ago, and perhaps even 6,000 years ago in Southeast Asia. Mangoes are currently grown throughout all tropical regions of the world. Practically every tropical nation has it's own prized mango cultivar. Much genetic variance and human selection has resulted in a plethora of mango varieties, coming in all different shapes, sizes and tastes. There are many outstanding varieties of mango, depending on the tropical region. Wild mangoes often develop fruit with stringy flesh and/or a piney-spicy taste. These are not considered desirable mango characteristics. Then again, it can be easily argued that humanity's palette for this wonderful fruit has become rather spoiled from nature. Most wild mangoes are not unpleasant tasting at all, especially when ripened on the tree. They often have a piney-peach taste. However, by contrast to some highly esteemed cultivars, one begins to easily see why they are lowly regarded by mango growers and enthusiasts. Wild mangoes are yet very suitable for juicing and blending to drink.
Species Observations:
Mango trees that are happy in their climate have one drawback -- they often make an big mess. They can set enormous amounts of fruit every year and then proceed to litter the ground with dozens, even hundreds of mangoes. In the Hawaiian islands and other ideal mango climates, people even amend the soil around their gigantic mango trees so they will not set fruit. Dwarf or semi-dwarf cultivar trees are a much better choice in tropical climates, as wild trees may get out of hand. In Florida, wild trees will not be so prolific but may still grow quite large.
Mango varieties vary more widely than varieties of apple and are certainly as well known in the tropics. For some reason, mangoes are seldom sold by their varietal name like apples are. What is unfortunate about the recent mass marketing of mangoes is that the ones chosen are the cultivars which store and ripen well after premature harvest. These are not exactly the tastiest types of mangoes, and many growers feel they are unqualified to represent the fruit's true potential. If you buy mangoes at a grocery store, you are likely buying one of these underachievers of taste. In recent years, efforts are being made to put better quality mangoes on grocery store shelves. If you happen across smaller, yellow mangoes, there are likely the "Altulfo" or "Champagne" varieties which have little to no fiber in the flesh, and a stronger mango taste. The large, fragrant, "Madame Francis" mangoes from Haiti can now be found in late summer as well. However, even these newer varieties can ripen to taste more like a lemon if they have been harvested too soon.
Propogation:
Typically mangoes are grafted, as their natural genetic variance can result in stringy flesh or rather piney tasting wild fruits. Easily grown from fresh seeds which remain viable in the picked fruit for up to three weeks.
Container Culture:
Dwarf varieties can be grown and fruited in a container. Semi-dwarf trees may pose a little space difficulty, but are also possible to container grow and fruit.
Medicinal Uses:
Many parts of the mango tree have been used as medicine. Oils in the bark and leaves have been used to alleviate throat and breathing irritations and to treat stings. The leaves are also rubbed on skin to relieve rashes and other irritations. The flowers have been used as an aphrodisiac. Eating mangoes has a calming effect on the stomach as the fruits contain natural digestive enzymes.
Nutritional Information:
Mangoes are a good source of vitamin A. They are a good choice for dieters because accompanied by a small meal, they have the ability to make a person feel rather full.
Preparation / Food:
Mangoes are most often eaten fresh and ripe, where the fruits are sweet, aromatic and juicy like a ripe peach. They are used in ice cream, sorbet, nectars, drinks, jams and preserves, and are also commonly dried or candied.
|
|
|
"Tree is in fine shape and budding! Packing was exceptional. Thank you so much!"
- Satisfied Customer 1
"WOW, Plant is 10X better than expected. Great condition. Thank you very much."
- Satisfied Customer 2
|
|
