Mangifera - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Mangifera caesia (Binjai) is a big tree which can get taller than 20 feet and is native to Kalimantan, Borneo. Small varieties of this tree may not reach more than 10-20 feet and both full sun and semi-shade is suitable for growing these trees. Binjai tree requires regular watering and blooms with pink flowers.

Binjai trees are known for the production of edible fruits. Depending on the size of the tree and the size of the fruits requested, the number of fruits produced can vary. The fruits of Binjai tree are sour in the wild form but if it is cultivated in Bali or Borneo, the fruits can become sweet and fibreless. The white juice of immature Binjai fruit is poisonous, so it is very irritant while touching the skin or when ingested directly.

Apart from being edible, these fruits have several health benefits and are used for medicinal purposes. It is rich in Vitamin C and helps treat abdominal problems, cholesterol, skin inflammation, and urinary tract infections. The fruits can also be eaten raw, juiced, cooked or made into different varieties of jams and jelly.

Growing Binjai trees in a pot is recommended if you live in a cold region. To get the best growth and fruit production, pay attention to drainage, water, and light requirements. This plant needs plenty of water and full sun to grow and mature. However, during the hot summer months, you should provide some shade to protect the plant from overheating.

The flesh of this fruit is orange in color and the texture stringy with a unique sweet fragrance. If we compare the Kasturi with the Mango (Mangifera indica), the Kasturi tastes less sweet but has a stronger taste and has a softer aroma.

A Medium-sized tree. This tree has a very unique feature. It emits a charaecteristic fragrant smell. Even the flowers of this tree are strongly scented with the same fragrance. That is why this species has been named M. odorata. This fruit has never been found in the wild. Botanists are of the opinion that Kuwini (M. odorata) has originated as a hybrid between Mangifera indica and Mangifera foetida.

This fruit is commonly cultivated in Borneo, Sumatra and Java. It is also found in Thailand, Vietnam and Guam Islands. The Kuwini is a popular fruit, having local economic significance in areas where Mangifera indica cannot be grown satisfactorily because of excessive humidity. Kuwini can produce two crops a years in areas where two dry seasons prevail.

Fruit are much appreciated as table fruit. They must be peeled thick because of the presence of an acrid juice in the skin, which can also be reduced by steeping in diluted lime-water before eating.

The fruits are also used for making chutney and for pickles with salt. In Java a kind of flour is made of the seed kernels and used in the preparation of delicacies such as dodol (based on glutinous rice) and jenang pelok (a thick pappy preparation from Curcuma rhizomes).

Propagated by seed, only rarely by grafting.

The sap is an irritant which may inflame the lips and mouth.

Mangifera foetida fruit is very similar in appearance to the Mango. Ripe Horse Mango fruit is usually eaten fresh. Young fruits contain irritant juice and must be soaked.

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 'Sunset' is a mango cultivar grown in warm subtropical climates and valued for its dependable production and dessert-quality fruit.

Mangifera indica 'Sunset' forms a moderately vigorous tree with a balanced canopy that responds well to pruning and size control. The fruit ripens in the mid to late season and develops smooth, fiberless flesh with a rich, sweet flavor profile and good aromatic depth, making it well suited for fresh eating. The cultivar performs best with regular moisture during flowering and fruit development, followed by drier conditions as fruit matures. In USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-11, it grows reliably outdoors, while in marginal areas it benefits from frost protection and careful site selection. Its combination of consistent fruiting, manageable growth habit, and refined flavor makes 'Sunset' a solid choice for home growers and collectors.

Mangifera indica 'Ah Ping' is a mango cultivar that originated in Hawaii from a seedling planted by Mrs. Chun Ah Ping on the island of Molokai.

It is grown in warm tropical and subtropical regions and valued for its traditional dessert quality and steady productivity.

What makes Mangifera indica 'Ah Ping' distinctive?

Mangifera indica 'Ah Ping' develops a moderately vigorous tree with a balanced canopy that responds well to pruning and orchard-style management. The fruit ripens in the mid-season and features smooth, fiberless flesh with a rich sweetness and classic mango flavor, often described as clean and well-rounded rather than highly complex. The cultivar performs best with regular moisture during flowering and fruit set, followed by drier conditions as fruit matures to enhance sweetness. In USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-11, it grows reliably outdoors, making 'Ah Ping' a solid choice for growers seeking a dependable mango with traditional flavor appeal.

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.