Mango - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Mangifera indica (Mango) is a large evergreen tree native to South Asia and among the oldest cultivated fruit trees, grown in India for over 4,000 years. In tropical climates it can reach 60-80 feet with a broad crown of glossy leaves. Small yellowish flowers appear in spring, followed by fleshy drupes known worldwide as mangoes.

Fruit shape varies from oval to kidney-shaped, with skin that may remain green or ripen to yellow, orange, or red. The flesh is juicy and aromatic, sometimes fiberless and sweet, sometimes more resinous depending on type. Mangoes are eaten fresh, dried, blended, or cooked, making them one of the most versatile tropical fruits. Some people experience irritation on the lips from the peel, so fruits are usually eaten peeled.

The tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil in warm climates, hardy only to USDA Zones 9-11. With hundreds of named cultivars, Mangifera indica remains one of the world s most widely grown and culturally important fruit trees.

See Mango varieties.

Mangifera indica 'Sunset' is a mango cultivar grown in warm subtropical climates and valued for its dependable production and dessert-quality fruit.

Mangifera indica 'Sunset' forms a moderately vigorous tree with a balanced canopy that responds well to pruning and size control. The fruit ripens in the mid to late season and develops smooth, fiberless flesh with a rich, sweet flavor profile and good aromatic depth, making it well suited for fresh eating. The cultivar performs best with regular moisture during flowering and fruit development, followed by drier conditions as fruit matures. In USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-11, it grows reliably outdoors, while in marginal areas it benefits from frost protection and careful site selection. Its combination of consistent fruiting, manageable growth habit, and refined flavor makes 'Sunset' a solid choice for home growers and collectors.

Mangifera indica 'Ah Ping' is a mango cultivar that originated in Hawaii from a seedling planted by Mrs. Chun Ah Ping on the island of Molokai.

It is grown in warm tropical and subtropical regions and valued for its traditional dessert quality and steady productivity.

What makes Mangifera indica 'Ah Ping' distinctive?

Mangifera indica 'Ah Ping' develops a moderately vigorous tree with a balanced canopy that responds well to pruning and orchard-style management. The fruit ripens in the mid-season and features smooth, fiberless flesh with a rich sweetness and classic mango flavor, often described as clean and well-rounded rather than highly complex. The cultivar performs best with regular moisture during flowering and fruit set, followed by drier conditions as fruit matures to enhance sweetness. In USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-11, it grows reliably outdoors, making 'Ah Ping' a solid choice for growers seeking a dependable mango with traditional flavor appeal.

Mangifera indica 'Baileys Marvel' (Baileys Marvel Mango) is a classic midseason Florida variety appreciated for its excellent flavor, attractive fruit, and reliable production. The medium to large fruit is oval and slightly flattened, with smooth yellow skin heavily blushed in shades of red and rose-pink over a golden background. Some fruit may retain green patches near the stem when fully mature. The deep orange flesh is juicy, nearly fiberless, and richly sweet with a hint of tropical spice. The flavor is smooth and balanced, similar to Haden but less fibrous and often preferred for fresh eating. The tree is moderately vigorous with a broad canopy and begins to bear early, producing consistent crops year after year.

Baileys Marvel performs best in tropical and subtropical climates and is valued for its good disease resistance and dependable yields. It ripens from June to August, making it one of the most rewarding summer mangoes for home gardens. Trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil with regular watering and feeding during the growing season. They perform best in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Bombay' (Bombay Mango) is a classic Indian variety introduced to the Caribbean and Florida many decades ago. It is famous for its rich, spicy-sweet flavor and smooth, fiberless flesh with a deep orange color. The medium to large fruits are slightly flattened and develop a striking yellow skin with a red blush when ripe. The tree has an open canopy and moderate vigor, making it a good choice for home gardens and collectors seeking old-world mango character.

Adapted to tropical and subtropical climates, 'Bombay' performs best in warm coastal regions and shows good resistance to common mango diseases. It is known to produce reliably once mature, typically fruiting from June to August in Florida conditions. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Cac' is a popular Vietnamese mango cultivar known for its excellent eating quality and dependable productivity. Fruits are medium to large, oval to slightly oblong, with smooth green skin that turns yellow when ripe. The fiberless lemon-yellow flesh is juicy and aromatic, offering a flavor described as uncomplicated, blending citrus and peach tones with a gentle floral bouquet.

In cultivation, Cac thrives in warm, humid climates with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. The tree has an open and somewhat leggy growth habit that requires careful tipping and shaping of branches to maintain structure and productivity. It benefits from regular watering and balanced fertilization during the growing season to ensure consistent yields. The tree adapts well to tropical and subtropical regions and is considered disease resistant compared to many other mangoes. This cultivar is not frost tolerant and should be grown in USDA Zones 10-11, with protection required if temperatures fall below 40-45 F.

Mangifera indica 'Carabao' (Carabao Mango, Philippine Mango) is a premier Philippine variety also known as Manila Mango, Honey Mango, or Champagne Mango. The fruit is medium to large, kidney-shaped, and hangs in clusters on the stem. When ripe, the smooth skin turns bright yellow, revealing rich golden flesh that is soft, fiberless, and intensely sweet with a tropical honey-like aroma. This variety is celebrated worldwide for its outstanding dessert quality and exceptional eating experience. The tree is vigorous and productive, forming a broad canopy and bearing heavily under warm, humid conditions.

'Carabao' adapts very well to South Florida and similar subtropical climates, showing good resistance to local pests and humidity. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, with regular watering and light pruning to maintain shape and airflow. This is a relatively cold-hardy variety for a tropical mango, tolerating brief drops in temperature with minimal damage. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Coconut Cream' (Coconut Cream Mango) is a unique Florida hybrid famous for its exotic coconut-like flavor and silky smooth, fiberless texture. The very large fruit is juicy and exceptionally colorful, developing a brilliant orange-red blush that covers nearly the entire skin when fully ripe, with only faint traces of green remaining from the unripe stage. The flesh is deep orange, soft, and melting, with an intensely sweet, creamy, and fragrant flavor often described as mango with coconut cream and tropical spice. Trees grow moderately low and spreading, forming a graceful canopy that benefits from regular pruning to maintain shape and productivity.

This variety performs best in warm, humid climates and produces consistent midseason crops with excellent eating quality. It requires good drainage and full sun for maximum flavor development. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Cushman' (Cushman Mango) is a late-season mango cultivar that originated in Florida and is prized for its unusually large, round fruit. The tree itself has a compact, medium-sized growth habit, often reaching 12-15 feet in managed landscapes, which makes it easier to maintain than more vigorous varieties. Fruits are heavy and oval to nearly spherical, weighing up to 2-3 pounds each, with smooth yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is rich golden-yellow, fiberless, and aromatic, offering a sweet, classic mango flavor. Gardeners appreciate 'Cushman' both for the impressive size of its fruit and for its reliable production in warm climates.

'Cushman' performs best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and moderate watering. It flowers in spring, with fruit typically maturing later in the season compared to many other Florida cultivars. Hardy only to USDA Zone 10-11, the tree requires frost protection but can be container-grown in cooler regions and sheltered during cold spells. This combination of manageable growth, heavy yields, and high-quality fruit makes 'Cushman' a valuable choice for collectors and home orchards alike.

Mangifera indica 'Edward' (Edward Mango) is one of the most highly regarded Florida selections, valued for its exceptional eating quality and rich tropical aroma. The medium-sized fruits have smooth golden-yellow skin sometimes blushed with pink, and soft, melting flesh that is completely fiberless. The flavor is sweet, creamy, and complex, often described as having hints of pineapple and apricot. Trees are moderately vigorous with a dense canopy and are well suited for home gardens.

This variety performs best in tropical and coastal subtropical climates and begins producing early in life. It shows good disease resistance and regular cropping under warm conditions. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.