Mangifera indica 'Ugly Betty' (Ugly Betty 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 'Ugly Betty' takes its name from the uneven, bumpy shape of the fruit rather than from any lack of eating quality, as the flesh is sweet, fiberless, and notably aromatic.

The cultivar originated in Boynton Beach, Florida, as a seedling selection derived from the cultivar 'Carrie'.

What makes Mangifera indica 'Ugly Betty' distinctive?

Mangifera indica 'Ugly Betty' forms a moderately vigorous tree with an open canopy that benefits from pruning to maintain airflow and manageable size. The fruit ripens in the mid to late season and produces smooth, fiberless flesh with a rich, concentrated sweetness and pronounced tropical character. While external appearance can be irregular, internal quality remains consistently high, which has contributed to the cultivar s strong reputation among mango enthusiasts. In USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-11, the tree performs reliably outdoors in full sun with well-drained soil, making 'Ugly Betty' a favored choice for growers who prioritize flavor over visual uniformity.