Mangifera indica 'Van Dyke' (Van Dyke 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 'Van Dyke' (Van Dyke Mango) is a premium late-season Florida variety known for its attractive appearance and excellent eating quality. The medium-sized fruit has smooth yellow skin overlaid with a vivid crimson blush and firm, fiberless orange flesh with a rich, sweet flavor. The fruit ships well and keeps its shape, making this cultivar popular both for home use and small-scale markets. The tree is moderately vigorous with a compact, well-branched canopy.

It performs reliably in tropical and subtropical regions and is valued for its consistent yields and tolerance to common mango diseases. The harvest season usually extends into late summer, providing fruit when most other varieties have finished. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.