Botanical name: Mangifera indica
Common name: Mango
Family: Anacardiaceae
Origin: South Asia and India
Hardiness: 30°F
Oldest cultivated fruit tree in the world. The lovely mango was cultivated in India 4,000 years ago, and the plant itself is impressive, with leafy green foliage. The fruit, delicious for breakfast or dessert, is yellow and red with black specks, and generally kidney-shaped. This tasty and nutritious fruit is becoming increasingly popular in the States. It grows in the tropics and warm subtropics. It will grow in poor soils and does not need a lot of water. Good production starts in 2 to 3 years with grafted trees, although grafted trees will flower and fruit the first year even when small. Wet or cool weather during bloom in the spring limits fruit set. Temperatures of 40F will damage mango blossoms. Mature trees may tolerate 25F for a few hours with leaf and small branch damage, but young trees may be killed at 29-30F. Trees in the tropics become large and stately like oaks. Warning: Some people react to the skin of mango fruit like they do to poison ivy. Varieties: Over 400 varieties. According to variety, tree can be large or small, producing early, mid or late season fruit. Much variation in color, flavor, and fiber content according to variety.
See Mango varieties.
The 'Alampur Baneshan' mango, sometimes spelled 'Banishan', is a traditional mango cultivar from South India and is regarded locally as one of the country's finest dessert types. The tree grows vigorously and develops a broad canopy, producing large oblique-oblong fruit that average 14-16 ounces. Even when fully ripe the skin remains green, often with a surface dotted by characteristic corky speckles. The flesh inside is fiberless, aromatic, and renowned for a complex, layered taste that blends resinous undertones with intense sweetness. This profile makes it highly esteemed among seasoned mango lovers, though its strong character can surprise those more accustomed to mild-flavored varieties.
'Alampur Baneshan' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering. It flowers in spring and fruits in summer, with harvest recommended while the fruit is still firm and green, followed by ripening at room temperature for best flavor. Hardy only to USDA Zone 10-11, it requires frost protection but can be container-grown in cooler regions. While it is widely appreciated in India, the fruit remains uncommon in export markets and is best experienced fresh near its place of origin.
Related cultivars: Mangifera indica 'Alampur Baneshan' (Mango)
- Mangifera indica Cushman ''Cushman'' (Cushman Mango)
- Mangifera indica Excellent ''Excellent'' (Excellent Mango)
- Mangifera indica Lancetilla ''Lancetilla'' (Lancetilla Mango)
- Mangifera indica Tong Pi Kahn ''Tong Pi Kahn'' (Tong Pi Kahn Mango)