Mangifera indica 'Carrie' (Carrie 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 Carrie mango is a Florida cultivar famous for its exceptional flavor and compact growth habit. It originated from the Haden lineage and quickly became a favorite among home growers for its intensely rich, aromatic taste and small, easily managed tree size. The tree grows slowly with a dense, rounded canopy that requires minimal pruning, and it shows excellent resistance to fungus and disease, making it a reliable choice for dooryard planting.

The fruit is medium-sized, smooth, and oval, weighing about 10-16 ounces. When ripe, the skin remains mostly yellow with only a faint blush, often showing a subtle yellow tone at the base that signals picking time. The flesh is deep orange, completely fiber-free, sweet, and aromatic, offering an exceptional tropical flavor with spicy undertones. Because the fruit bruises easily if it falls, it should be hand-picked rather than allowed to drop. Carrie ripens early to mid-season in Florida, typically from June to July. It thrives in USDA Zones 10-11 and tolerates short temperature drops to around 30F. Despite its modest coloration, Carrie is celebrated for its unmatched flavor and dependable performance in home gardens.