Mangifera indica 'Dot' (Dot Mango)

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.

The Dot mango is a Florida cultivar admired for its outstanding eating quality. The tree grows moderately and forms a rounded, dense canopy that can be kept compact with pruning, making it a good choice for home gardens. It is a consistent producer and is often noted for setting reliable crops under favorable conditions.

The fruit is medium to large, weighing around 16-24 ounces, with an oval to slightly oblong shape. At maturity, Dot mangoes develop a bright golden yellow skin often enhanced by an orange to red blush, with scattered speckles adding further character. The flesh is fiber-free, smooth, and deeply aromatic, offering an intense tropical sweetness with floral notes, considered by many growers to be among the finest in flavor. Dot ripens in mid-season, usually in June-July in Florida. It thrives in USDA Zones 10-11 and needs frost protection, tolerating temperatures only down to about 30F.