Mangifera indica 'Tommy Atkins' (Tommy Atkins 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 'Tommy Atkins' (Tommy Atkins Mango) is one of the most widely grown commercial mango cultivars, originally selected in Florida in the mid-20th century. The tree is vigorous and upright, forming a large canopy that may reach 20-25 feet in the ground. Fruits are medium to large, oval, and firm, with thick skin that turns from green to a mix of red, orange, and yellow at maturity, often with a mottled blush. The flesh is orange-yellow with mild sweetness, slightly fibrous texture, and long storage potential, making this cultivar a staple in global mango trade.

'Tommy Atkins' performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, with moderate watering during dry spells. It flowers in spring and typically ripens in midsummer, producing heavy crops that are valued for their durability in shipping and consistent yields. Hardy only to USDA Zones 10-11, it requires frost protection and is best suited for tropical and warm subtropical regions. While less aromatic than some dessert cultivars, it remains prized for its reliability, attractive appearance, and dependable fruit set.