Mango - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 4)

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 'Pickering' (Pickering Mango) is a compact Florida cultivar valued for its dwarf habit and distinctive fruit quality. The tree grows naturally bushy and rarely exceeds 10 feet in height, making it ideal for small gardens and container culture. Fruits are oval with a slightly plump base, medium-sized at 0.75-1.5 pounds, and carried on sturdy stems. The smooth skin is green at the base with a soft pink to reddish blush scattered unevenly across the upper surface, dotted with fine speckles. Inside, the flesh is deep yellow, fiberless, and firm, offering a sweet, rich flavor often compared to a coconut or piña colada. This combination of manageable size, reliable production, and unique taste has made 'Pickering' one of the most popular dwarf mangoes for home growers.

'Pickering' performs best in full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering. It flowers in spring and ripens in early summer, typically June in Florida conditions. Best adapted to USDA Zones 10-11, it requires frost protection but can be grown successfully in containers where it stays compact, even maintained at just six feet. Tolerant of coastal conditions, it offers gardeners both ornamental appeal and high-quality fruit in a small, adaptable package.

Mangifera indica 'Pim Seng Mun' (Pim Seng Mun Mango) - also known as Phimsen Mun, this is an extremely productive Thai variety especially prized by those who enjoy green mangoes. The medium-sized fruit is slightly curved with smooth light-green skin that may turn faintly yellow when fully mature. In its green stage, it is crisp, crunchy, and pleasantly tart with an apple-like flavor - the stage in which this variety is traditionally eaten, often paired with salt and cayenne pepper. When allowed to ripen, the flesh becomes sweet, juicy, and aromatic, maintaining a clean taste without any turpentine aftertaste. The tree is large and vigorous, often exceeding 20 ft in height, with a broad, rounded canopy and very heavy fruiting. It tolerates coastal conditions and moderate salt exposure.

'Pim Seng Mun' performs well in tropical and subtropical climates, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil with regular watering. It is noted for its long harvest season and ability to withstand brief cold spells down to the 30F. This variety is ideal for warm gardens where both green and ripe mangoes are appreciated for their unique flavor contrast. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost during extended cold periods.

Mangifera indica 'Rosigold' (Rosigold Mango) is one of the earliest ripening mango cultivars in Florida, making it especially valued by home growers eager for the first fruits of the season. The tree is compact and manageable, usually reaching 10-12 feet, with a dense canopy that adapts well to small gardens and container culture. Fruits are medium-sized, oblong to oval, with smooth skin that turns golden yellow overlaid with a rosy red blush at maturity. The flesh is deep orange, fiberless, and aromatic, with a sweet flavor that balances richness and mild acidity. Reliable production and early harvest have helped 'Rosigold' gain a reputation as a dependable choice for backyard growers.

'Rosigold' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering. It flowers in late winter to early spring, with fruit ripening as early as March or April in Florida, often extending into May. Best adapted to USDA Zones 10-11, it must be protected from frost but performs very well in containers where it can be kept compact. Gardeners appreciate 'Rosigold' for combining early-season harvest with excellent fruit quality and a space-saving growth habit.

Mangifera indica 'Shelly' (Shelly Mango) is a modern hybrid between 'Tommy Atkins' and 'Keitt', developed for outstanding flavor and reliable production in warm climates. The fruit is medium to large, oval, and smooth-skinned, turning bright orange-yellow with a deep red blush when ripe. The golden-orange flesh is completely fiberless, rich, and juicy, with a distinctive tropical sweetness and light floral undertone. The flavor is refined and dessert-like, free from turpentine notes. The tree grows moderately, forming a well-branched, rounded canopy and begins producing early, often yielding two crops in warm regions - one in winter and another in summer.

'Shelly' adapts well to tropical and coastal subtropical regions and shows good resistance to common mango diseases. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering and regular feeding. Productive, attractive, and reliable, this variety is ideal for both home gardens and small orchards seeking premium-quality fruit. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Si Siam' is a Thai mango cultivar that shares the elegant elongated shape of Nam Doc Mai but is smaller in size. The fruits ripen to a golden yellow skin and carry a flat, thin seed, allowing for a higher proportion of sweet, fiberless flesh. They are often borne in clusters and are compared in character to the Okrung group, with a rich sweetness and smooth texture that makes them especially desirable for fresh consumption.

In cultivation, 'Si Siam' thrives in warm tropical climates with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It has the ability to produce not only a main summer crop but also off-season harvests in favorable climates, similar to Choc Anon. Regular watering and balanced feeding support consistent yields, while pruning helps maintain manageable growth. 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. Its combination of manageable fruit size, sweetness, and potential for multiple crops makes it a valuable choice for both home growers and collectors of Thai mangoes.

Mangifera indica 'Springfels' (Springfels Mango) is an old Florida variety valued for its exceptionally large fruit and rich, classic flavor. The mangoes are oval to oblong and can weigh up to 2 pounds each, with smooth yellow skin heavily blushed in deep red and orange at maturity. The deep orange flesh is firm, juicy, and nearly fiberless, offering a full, sweet flavor with a pleasant balance of acidity. It is often compared to the best traditional cultivars for its superb eating quality and impressive size. The tree is vigorous and upright, forming a dense, rounded canopy that produces heavy crops when mature.

Springfels performs best in tropical and subtropical climates and is appreciated for its mid- to late-season harvest, typically from July to September. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with regular watering during fruit development. Though a strong grower, it benefits from periodic pruning to maintain size and shape. Trees thrive in USDA Zones 10-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 30F.

Mangifera indica 'Tommy Atkins' (Tommy Atkins Mango) is one of the most widely grown commercial mango cultivars, originally selected in Florida in the mid-20th century. The tree is vigorous and upright, forming a large canopy that may reach 20-25 feet in the ground. Fruits are medium to large, oval, and firm, with thick skin that turns from green to a mix of red, orange, and yellow at maturity, often with a mottled blush. The flesh is orange-yellow with mild sweetness, slightly fibrous texture, and long storage potential, making this cultivar a staple in global mango trade.

'Tommy Atkins' performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, with moderate watering during dry spells. It flowers in spring and typically ripens in midsummer, producing heavy crops that are valued for their durability in shipping and consistent yields. Hardy only to USDA Zones 10-11, it requires frost protection and is best suited for tropical and warm subtropical regions. While less aromatic than some dessert cultivars, it remains prized for its reliability, attractive appearance, and dependable fruit set.

Mangifera indica 'Tong Pi Kahn' (Mango, also known as 'Tom Py Kan', 'Pi Kun Thong' or 'Pikun Thong') is a rare Thai variety known for its large, fiberless fruit and pure, rich sweetness. The fruit is elongated and smooth, with green skin that turns clear yellow when fully ripe, usually without any blush. The golden flesh is soft, juicy, and almost completely free of fibers. Its flavor resembles that of Nam Doc Mai, but is less floral and more straightforwardly sweet, producing a clean tropical taste typical of premium Thai dessert mangoes. The tree has moderate vigor, forming an upright, spreading canopy and producing good crops under tropical conditions.

This cultivar thrives in warm, humid climates and performs best in USDA Zones 10-11. It prefers full sun, fertile well-drained soil, and protection from frost. Within Thailand, Pi Kun Tong is regarded as a variety best enjoyed when fully ripe rather than green. The fruits mature in mid to late season, often hanging in clusters and ripening evenly on the tree. With its large size, fiberless texture, and balanced sweetness, Pi Kun Tong stands out as a refined representative of Thai mango breeding.

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.

Mangifera indica 'Vallenato' (Vallenato Mango) is a Colombian cultivar originating from the Valledupar region and later introduced to Florida around 1991. The tree grows vigorously with a spreading canopy and shows moderate resistance to anthracnose, making it dependable in humid climates. Fruits are oval, medium to large, with yellow skin often highlighted by a crimson blush. The pale yellow flesh is aromatic, sweet, and moderately fibrous, appealing both fresh and for processing. This combination of bright coloration and strong flavor has made 'Vallenato' a notable mango among collectors and regional growers.

'Vallenato' performs best in full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering. It flowers in spring and ripens in early to midseason, typically June to July in Florida conditions. Best adapted to USDA Zones 1011, the tree requires frost protection but may be container-grown in cooler areas if sheltered during cold spells. As a monoembryonic variety, it cannot be reproduced true-to-type from seed, so grafted plants are necessary to preserve its qualities.