Mangifera indica 'Thong Dam' (Thong Dam 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.

Thong Dam Mango, also known as Black Gold Mango, is a rare Thai variety distinguished by its dark green skin and excellent dessert quality. The medium to large fruit has a smooth, glossy surface and an elongated, slightly curved shape. Its golden-yellow flesh is soft, juicy, and almost completely free of fibers. The flavor is rich, sweet, and mildly floral, typical of the Indo-Chinese group but with a deeper tone than that of Nam Doc Mai. The fruit is usually eaten fully ripe, when it develops its full sweetness and aroma. The tree has moderate vigor with a compact, upright canopy, making it well suited for small gardens and tropical home orchards.

This cultivar performs best in warm, humid climates and thrives in USDA Zones 10-11. It prefers full sun, fertile, well-drained soil, and protection from cold. The fruits mature in mid to late season and are valued for their smooth texture, low fiber, and balanced sweetness that make Black Gold Mango one of the choice dessert varieties of Thailand.