Mangifera indica 'Wise' (Wise 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 Wise mango is a historical Florida cultivar originating in Miami during the wave of new mango introductions that followed the 1930s. It was once regarded as a very good variety for home gardens and local markets but gradually disappeared from commercial propagation, like many cultivars of that era. Despite its rarity today, Wise remains noted among collectors for its excellent eating quality and pleasant balance of sweetness and aroma.

The fruit is nearly round, medium in size, and has smooth skin that turns golden yellow at full maturity. The flesh is juicy, sweet, and virtually fiber-free, offering a classic tropical flavor that is both rich and refreshing. It performs best in USDA Zones 10-11 and, like most mangoes, should be protected from frost, tolerating temperatures down to about 30F. Wise represents an important part of Florida s early mango breeding history and remains valued by enthusiasts who seek to preserve heritage cultivars.