Mangifera indica 'Tong Pi Kahn' (Tong Pi Kahn 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 'Tong Pi Kahn' (Mango, also known as 'Tom Py Kan' ) is an Asian mango cultivar related to the Nam Doc Mai type and valued for its distinctive fruit form. The tree develops a medium to large canopy with upright branches and can be pruned for easier management in home gardens. Its fruits are large and elongated with a slightly curved, tapering shape and a drooping tip, making them instantly recognizable among Southeast Asian cultivars. At maturity they measure 6-8 inches long, remain mostly green with scattered speckles, and may show a light yellowish or bronze blush rather than turning fully golden. The flesh is described as sweet, aromatic, and low in fiber, typical of premium Asian dessert mangoes.

'Tong Pi Kahn' thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with moderate watering. It flowers in spring and matures later in the warm season, producing heavy, plump fruit that appeals both for fresh eating and for its decorative display on the tree. Hardy only to USDA Zone 10-11, it requires frost protection but can be grown in large containers and sheltered during cooler months. Collectors value it for combining reliable production, excellent eating quality, and the striking appearance of its long, drooping fruit.