Mangifera indica 'Keitt' (Keitt 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 Keitt mango is a late-season Florida variety highly prized for its very large fruit and dependable production. Trees are vigorous but can be maintained at a medium size with pruning, and their upright, spreading canopy makes them suitable for both home gardens and commercial orchards. The foliage is dense and healthy, giving the tree a strong landscape presence even outside fruiting season.

The fruit is among the largest of all mangoes, often reaching 2 to 5 pounds each, with an oval to oblong shape. Keitt mango fruits remain mostly green even when mature, but as they ripen the skin may develop golden yellow highlights with a soft pink to reddish blush of varying strength. Fine speckles are scattered across the surface, giving each fruit an individual and recognizable look compared to the more evenly colored mango varieties. The flesh is firm, fiber-free, and juicy, with a mild sweet flavor and a touch of acidity that appeals to those who prefer less cloying mangoes. Keitt is one of the last cultivars to ripen, typically from August to October in Florida, extending the mango season after most other varieties have finished. It performs well in USDA Zones 10-11 and requires frost protection, tolerating temperatures down to about 30F.