Mangifera indica

Mango (Mangifera indica; also mango; aam; manga) is a Anacardiaceae fruit plant grown for its drupe.

Mangifera indica fruit, flower, or plant habit. Wikimedia Commons file page.
Mango (Mangifera indica )
Scientific name	Mangifera indica
Genus	Mangifera
Family	Anacardiaceae
Order	Sapindales
Fruit type	Drupe
Growth form	Evergreen tree
Climate and hardiness	Tropical and subtropical; dry weather at flowering is valuable
Mature height	10–30 m unpruned; smaller in orchards
Mature width	8–20 m
Soil	Deep, well-drained soil; tolerates many textures but dislikes persistent waterlogging
Water	Regular water while establishing; moderate drought tolerance once rooted
Sun	Full sun and good airflow
Germination	10–30 days from fresh polyembryonic seed; monoembryonic seed is variable
Years to fruit	3–5 years grafted; longer from seed
Pollination	Insect-pollinated; cross-pollination can improve fruit set
Harvest	Variety and climate dependent; commonly spring through summer

Identification and description

The mango is a long-lived evergreen tree whose fleshy drupes vary widely in size, color, fiber, aroma, and season. Cultivated mangoes include many clonal varieties selected for eating quality and climate adaptation.

The accepted genus, family, and order are Mangifera, Anacardiaceae, and Sapindales. Common names may cover related taxa; check the scientific name before transferring cultivation advice.

Growing

Mango is a warm-season tree of South Asian monsoon climates. It performs best with a pronounced dry interval before flowering, deep drainage, and full sun; wet feet and cool flowering weather reduce bloom and fruit set.

Mango is adapted to warm seasonal climates where a relatively dry, cooler period helps mature shoots and initiate flowers. It grows vigorously in humid conditions but excessive nitrogen, shade, or wet weather around bloom can favor leaves over fruit. Prune after harvest to keep the canopy accessible.

Soil

Deep, well-drained soil; tolerates many textures but dislikes persistent waterlogging.

Sun and humidity

Full sun and good airflow. Native habitat and airflow matter as much as light intensity; avoid enclosing humid foliage without ventilation.

Seasonal changes

Many mango regions have a distinct dry season followed by warm rains. Flowering commonly occurs during the dry or cool-dry interval, with fruit development during the warmer season. In humid areas, disease pressure and irregular flowering increase; irrigation should be managed rather than kept constantly excessive.

Propagation

Named varieties are usually grafted onto seedling or clonal rootstocks. Fresh seed is easy to germinate, but only polyembryonic types generally produce nucellar seedlings close to the mother tree; monoembryonic seedlings are useful for rootstocks and breeding.

Field view or fruit detail of Mangifera indica. Wikimedia Commons file page.

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

Variety and climate dependent; commonly spring through summer. Flowering and ripening are strongly affected by latitude, cultivar, rootstock, rainfall, and temperature; local records are more useful than a single universal calendar.

Fruit and uses

Fresh eating is the main use, with green mango also used in pickles, salads, chutneys, and sauces. Ripe fruit is processed into pulp, juice, dried slices, leather, and preserves. The kernel is used locally but is not a routine food crop.

Commentary

Growers are invited to share observations about Mango on the talk page, especially climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering season, and fruit quality.

Photos

The images above show documented fruit, flower, or plant-habit views. See the individual Commons file pages in the image credits for authorship and license details.

Sources

• UF/IFAS: Mango growing in the home landscape
• Useful Tropical Plants: Mangifera indica

Image credits

• Mango (433686277).jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
• Mango (Mangifera indica L.); branch with flowers, fruit and Wellcome V0042598.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.