Mango - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 3)

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 10-11 (Zone 9 only with winter protection). 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 'Irwin' (Irwin Mango) is a rare variety originating from the Mexico-Ecuador region, valued for its compact growth and excellent fruit quality. The tree remains small and naturally dwarf, making it ideal for container growing or limited garden spaces. The medium-sized fruits, 12-16 oz each, are oblong-ovate with one slightly oblique shoulder. When ripe, the smooth skin turns orange to pink with an extensive dark-red, almost burgundy blush. The deep orange flesh is soft, fiberless, and very sweet, offering a pleasant tropical flavor with mild acidity.

This variety performs well in tropical and subtropical climates and ripens early in the season, typically from June to July. It adapts easily to home gardens and requires little maintenance beyond regular watering and pruning. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Jacqueline' (Jacqueline Mango) is a relatively new mango cultivar of unknown parentage, originally selected from a seedling tree in northern Palm Beach County, Florida. The tree grows to medium size with a rounded canopy and can exceed 20 feet in open ground, though seasonal pruning keeps it manageable in home gardens. Fruits are oval and slightly elongated, appearing large and heavy with smooth skin. The background color is green, often overlaid with a reddish-pink blush and scattered speckles. The skin is thin, enclosing golden-yellow flesh that is very juicy, sweet, and completely fiberless, giving this cultivar excellent eating quality.

'Jacqueline' thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with moderate watering. It flowers in spring and matures in summer, producing fruit known for its rich flavor and attractive appearance. Best adapted to USDA Zones 10 11, the tree requires frost protection but may be container-grown in cooler regions. Gardeners value 'Jacqueline' as a new addition among Florida mangoes, combining ornamental appeal with consistently high-quality, fiberless fruit.

Mangifera indica 'Julie' (Julie Mango) is a compact mango cultivar from the Caribbean, long regarded as a classic choice in Jamaica and neighboring islands. The tree has a naturally dwarf, rounded form and usually stays 8 10 feet tall, making it well suited for small gardens and limited spaces. Fruits are medium-sized, flattened and slightly oblong, with skin that ripens to a yellow-orange blush often tinged with red. The flesh is deep golden, aromatic, and fiberless, with a rich tropical flavor. This combination of manageable growth and excellent fruit quality has made 'Julie' one of the most beloved Caribbean mangoes.

'Julie' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering. It flowers in spring and fruits in summer, often setting crops at a young age, with plants known to begin fruiting even in 3-gallon containers. Best adapted to tropical and warm subtropical climates, it is hardy only to USDA Zone 10 11 and must be protected from frost. Its compact stature, early bearing habit, and sweet fruit make it especially appealing to home growers seeking a container-friendly mango.

See Mango varieties.

Mangifera indica 'Kent' (Kent Mango) is a classic late-season Florida variety highly regarded for its large, juicy fruit and excellent dessert quality. The fruit is oval to slightly oblong, with smooth green skin that turns golden-yellow and often develops a soft red or orange blush on the sun side. The deep orange flesh is tender, aromatic, and nearly fiberless, offering a sweet, rich flavor with hints of honey and tropical spice. The tree is moderately vigorous with a broad, spreading canopy and heavy, dependable production year after year.

Kent performs best in tropical and subtropical climates and is especially valued for its long harvest season, typically from July to September. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil, with good resistance to anthracnose compared to older cultivars. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Lancetilla' (Lancetilla Mango) is a Honduran mango cultivar known for producing exceptionally large fruit. The tree is vigorous and can reach 20-30 feet in open ground, though it can be pruned to a more manageable size for home gardens. Its elongated, slightly curved fruits often weigh 2-5 pounds each, with smooth red-blushed skin over yellow when ripe. The flesh is deep golden, fiberless, and mildly sweet with a rich tropical flavor, making it a standout among giant-fruited cultivars. Gardeners value 'Lancetilla' both for its dramatic fruit size and for its reliable productivity in tropical climates.

'Lancetilla' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with regular watering during the growing season. It flowers in spring and typically ripens later in summer, extending the mango season. Hardy to USDA Zone 10-11, it must be protected from frost but can be container-grown in cooler regions with winter shelter. Its combination of impressive fruit, strong growth, and ornamental red-blushed harvest makes it a popular choice for collectors and home orchards.

Mangifera indica 'Lemon Saigon' (Lemon Saigon Mango) is a productive Thai variety that stands out for its bright golden-yellow color and refreshing citrus undertone. The medium-sized fruits are slightly elongated with smooth, glossy skin and firm, fiberless flesh that melts when fully ripe. The flavor is rich, sweet, and well balanced, with hints of lemon and tropical honey. The tree is moderately vigorous and bears heavily once established, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who appreciate both beauty and dependable yields.

It performs well in tropical and coastal subtropical climates and produces a midseason crop, often followed by a smaller off-season harvest in warm regions. The fruit develops excellent flavor even in humid conditions and keeps well after harvest. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Maha Chinook' is a premium Thai mango cultivar noted for its elegant elongated fruits and smooth texture. The tree grows with moderate vigor and forms a relatively narrow canopy compared to other Southeast Asian varieties. Fruits are slender and curved, maturing to a golden yellow skin with a delicate blush. The flesh is fiberless, aromatic, and exceptionally sweet, often described as melting and dessert quality, making it one of the most sought-after mangoes for fresh eating.

In cultivation, Maha Chinook requires full sun, warm temperatures, and fertile, well-drained soil. It performs best with regular watering during fruit set and development, while young trees benefit from occasional misting in hot, dry weather. This cultivar is not frost tolerant and should be grown in USDA Zones 10-11, with protection needed if temperatures fall below 40-45F. Its manageable growth habit allows it to be adapted for home gardens and container culture, rewarding attentive care with high-quality fruit.

Mangifera indica 'Mallika' (Mallika Mango) is a superior Indian hybrid selected from 'Neelum' and 'Dasheri', combining their rich aroma, smooth texture, and excellent keeping quality. The fruit is medium-sized, oblong, and slightly flattened, turning bright golden-orange when ripe. In humid climates, the skin may show small, grainy freckles called lenticels - natural pores that help the fruit breathe and do not affect flavor or quality. The deep orange flesh is firm, fiberless, and intensely sweet, with complex notes of honey, citrus, and melon. The fruit is best when allowed to ripen off the tree, which enhances its flavor and reduces internal acidity. The tree is moderately vigorous, compact, and highly productive under warm conditions.

'Mallika' performs exceptionally well in tropical and subtropical climates and is valued for its excellent post-harvest quality and consistent yields. It ripens during the mid to late season, typically from June to August, and ships well without losing flavor. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Mun Kun Si' (Mun Kun Si Mango) is a rare Thai variety similar to 'Nam Doc Mai' but producing larger fruit that can be eaten both green and fully ripe. The fruit is long, slender, and slightly curved, hanging in clusters and turning yellow-green to golden-yellow when ready to pick. In its green stage, it is crisp, sweet, and refreshingly tart - 'Mun' means crunchy in Thai - while ripe fruit become extremely sweet, fiberless, and slightly firm, keeping their pleasant texture. The flesh is pale yellow, smooth, and aromatic, offering a clean, delicate taste appreciated by mango lovers in Thailand and Vietnam. The tree is moderately vigorous, upright, and highly productive, often fruiting very late, with fruit sometimes remaining on the tree as late as January.

Mun Kun Si performs best in tropical and subtropical climates, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil with regular watering and pruning after harvest. It tolerates humidity well and is an excellent choice for home gardens and collectors seeking both crisp green and sweet ripe mangoes from the same tree. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10 11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Palmer' (Palmer Mango) is a late-season Florida cultivar valued for its large fruit, smooth texture, and dependable production.

What makes Palmer distinct?

The fruits are elongated and heavy, often reaching impressive size, with a green to red blush exterior that colors well in full sun. The flesh is fiberless, smooth, and mild sweet with a pleasant aroma, suitable for eating fresh or slicing. Trees are naturally vigorous and upright, producing consistent crops late in the mango season when most other varieties are finished.

It grows best in full sun with regular watering during establishment and benefits from open canopy pruning to maintain airflow and manageable height. Like other mangoes, it prefers well drained soil and warm conditions. Suitable for USDA Zones 10-11, with young trees requiring frost protection whenever temperatures approach critical lows.