Mangifer, indica - Plant Encyclopedia Results

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 'Alampur Baneshan' mango, sometimes spelled 'Banishan', is a traditional mango cultivar from South India and is regarded locally as one of the country's finest dessert types. The tree grows vigorously and develops a broad canopy, producing large oblique-oblong fruit that average 14-16 ounces. Even when fully ripe the skin remains green, often with a surface dotted by characteristic corky speckles. The flesh inside is fiberless, aromatic, and renowned for a complex, layered taste that blends resinous undertones with intense sweetness. This profile makes it highly esteemed among seasoned mango lovers, though its strong character can surprise those more accustomed to mild-flavored varieties.

'Alampur Baneshan' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering. It flowers in spring and fruits in summer, with harvest recommended while the fruit is still firm and green, followed by ripening at room temperature for best flavor. Hardy only to USDA Zone 10-11, it requires frost protection but can be container-grown in cooler regions. While it is widely appreciated in India, the fruit remains uncommon in export markets and is best experienced fresh near its place of origin.

Alphonso Mango is one of the most renowned mango cultivars, valued for its rich flavor, smooth texture, and deep golden color. The medium-sized fruit has bright yellow skin that develops a light blush when ripe. The pulp is fiberless, aromatic, and exceptionally sweet, with subtle notes of apricot, honey, and saffron. The tree forms a compact, rounded canopy and grows vigorously while remaining suitable for home gardens and container culture. Originating from India's Konkan coast, this variety has become a benchmark for premium mango quality and is widely used for desserts, juices, and export.

This variety performs best in warm subtropical to tropical climates with full sun and well-drained soil. It produces consistent crops under proper management and shows good disease tolerance. Alphonso Mango grows well in USDA Zones 10-11 and should be protected from cold temperatures below 35F. Fruits mature in late spring to early summer and are known for their rich aroma and outstanding flavor typical of the finest dessert mangoes.

Mangifera indica 'Baileys Marvel' (Baileys Marvel Mango) is a classic midseason Florida variety appreciated for its excellent flavor, attractive fruit, and reliable production. The medium to large fruit is oval and slightly flattened, with smooth yellow skin heavily blushed in shades of red and rose-pink over a golden background. Some fruit may retain green patches near the stem when fully mature. The deep orange flesh is juicy, nearly fiberless, and richly sweet with a hint of tropical spice. The flavor is smooth and balanced, similar to Haden but less fibrous and often preferred for fresh eating. The tree is moderately vigorous with a broad canopy and begins to bear early, producing consistent crops year after year.

Baileys Marvel performs best in tropical and subtropical climates and is valued for its good disease resistance and dependable yields. It ripens from June to August, making it one of the most rewarding summer mangoes for home gardens. Trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil with regular watering and feeding during the growing season. They perform best in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Beverly Mango is a late-season variety valued for its excellent eating quality and smooth, fiberless texture. The large, rounded fruit has a greenish-gold skin that often develops a pink or rose blush on the sun-exposed side. Its flesh is deep orange, rich, and sweet with a pleasant tropical aroma and minimal acidity. The tree has a dense, spreading canopy and moderate vigor, making it ideal for home gardens and smaller spaces where size control is important. Beverly is known for its consistent production and for holding fruit well on the tree without splitting or dropping.

This cultivar performs best in warm subtropical climates with full sun and well-drained soil. It shows good resistance to anthracnose and other common mango diseases. Beverly Mango thrives in USDA Zones 10-11 and tolerates brief cool spells but must be protected from frost. Fruits typically ripen in mid to late summer, extending the mango season and providing a smooth, rich flavor that distinguishes it among late-bearing varieties.

Mangifera indica 'Bombay' (Bombay Mango) is a classic Indian variety introduced to the Caribbean and Florida many decades ago. It is famous for its rich, spicy-sweet flavor and smooth, fiberless flesh with a deep orange color. The medium to large fruits are slightly flattened and develop a striking yellow skin with a red blush when ripe. The tree has an open canopy and moderate vigor, making it a good choice for home gardens and collectors seeking old-world mango character.

Adapted to tropical and subtropical climates, 'Bombay' performs best in warm coastal regions and shows good resistance to common mango diseases. It is known to produce reliably once mature, typically fruiting from June to August in Florida conditions. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Cac' is a popular Vietnamese mango cultivar known for its excellent eating quality and dependable productivity. Fruits are medium to large, oval to slightly oblong, with smooth green skin that turns yellow when ripe. The fiberless lemon-yellow flesh is juicy and aromatic, offering a flavor described as uncomplicated, blending citrus and peach tones with a gentle floral bouquet.

In cultivation, Cac thrives in warm, humid climates with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. The tree has an open and somewhat leggy growth habit that requires careful tipping and shaping of branches to maintain structure and productivity. It benefits from regular watering and balanced fertilization during the growing season to ensure consistent yields. The tree adapts well to tropical and subtropical regions and is considered disease resistant compared to many other mangoes. This cultivar is not frost tolerant and should be grown in USDA Zones 10-11, with protection required if temperatures fall below 40-45 F.

Mangifera indica 'Carabao' (Carabao Mango, Philippine Mango) is a premier Philippine variety also known as Manila Mango, Honey Mango, or Champagne Mango. The fruit is medium to large, kidney-shaped, and hangs in clusters on the stem. When ripe, the smooth skin turns bright yellow, revealing rich golden flesh that is soft, fiberless, and intensely sweet with a tropical honey-like aroma. This variety is celebrated worldwide for its outstanding dessert quality and exceptional eating experience. The tree is vigorous and productive, forming a broad canopy and bearing heavily under warm, humid conditions.

'Philippine' adapts very well to South Florida and similar subtropical climates, showing good resistance to local pests and humidity. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, with regular watering and light pruning to maintain shape and airflow. This is a relatively cold-hardy variety for a tropical mango, tolerating brief drops in temperature with minimal damage. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

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.