Mangifera indica 'Pickering' (Pickering 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.

Mangifera indica 'Pickering' (Pickering Mango) is a compact Florida cultivar valued for its dwarf habit and distinctive fruit quality. The tree grows naturally bushy and rarely exceeds 10 feet in height, making it ideal for small gardens and container culture. Fruits are oval with a slightly plump base, medium-sized at 0.75-1.5 pounds, and carried on sturdy stems. The smooth skin is green at the base with a soft pink to reddish blush scattered unevenly across the upper surface, dotted with fine speckles. Inside, the flesh is deep yellow, fiberless, and firm, offering a sweet, rich flavor often compared to a coconut or piña colada. This combination of manageable size, reliable production, and unique taste has made 'Pickering' one of the most popular dwarf mangoes for home growers.

'Pickering' performs best in full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering. It flowers in spring and ripens in early summer, typically June in Florida conditions. Best adapted to USDA Zones 10-11, it requires frost protection but can be grown successfully in containers where it stays compact, even maintained at just six feet. Tolerant of coastal conditions, it offers gardeners both ornamental appeal and high-quality fruit in a small, adaptable package.