Contents
Description
Mangifera Indica, also known as the mango tree, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. The mango tree is a large, evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall in the wild, but it is usually pruned to a smaller size in cultivation.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Mangifera |
Appearance
The mango tree has a dense, rounded canopy with a thick trunk and rough, dark bark. The leaves are evergreen, leathery, and glossy, with a dark green color on the top and a pale green color on the bottom. The flowers are small and white or pink, and they grow in large, showy clusters. The fruit of the mango tree is a large, fleshy drupe with a single, large seed in the center. The fruit is typically oval-shaped, with a smooth, waxy skin that can be green, yellow, orange, or red in color, depending on the variety.
Care Guide
To grow a healthy mango tree, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and protection from cold temperatures.
- Water: Mango trees require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
- Fertilization: Mango trees need regular fertilization to produce healthy fruit. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and apply it every three months during the growing season.
- Soil: Mango trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. They also require good soil aeration and organic matter for healthy root growth.
- Sunlight: Mango trees need full sun exposure to grow and produce fruit. Plant them in a sunny spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Mango trees are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, where the temperature does not drop below 30°F (-1°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Mango trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves and fruit.
- Fruit flies: Small insects that lay eggs in the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely.
- Mango seed weevil: A beetle that infests the fruit and damages the seed.
- Sooty mold: A fungal disease that grows on the honeydew excreted by sucking insects, such as scale insects and mealybugs.
To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the tree healthy by providing it with proper care and monitoring it regularly for signs of infestation or disease.
Habitat
Mango trees are native to the Indian subcontinent and are now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. They grow best in hot, humid climates with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Mango trees are commonly found in orchards, gardens, and farms, but they can also grow wild in forests and other natural habitats.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for a mango tree to bear fruit?
A: Mango trees can take anywhere from three to five years to bear fruit, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Q: Can mango trees grow in containers?
A: Yes, mango trees can be grown in containers, but they require regular pruning and fertilization to prevent them from becoming too large.
Q: How often should I prune my mango tree?
A: Mango trees should be pruned once a year, ideally in the winter or early spring, to remove dead or diseased wood and shape the tree for optimal fruit production.
Q: What is the best time to harvest mangoes?
A: Mangoes should be harvested when they are fully ripe, which is indicated by a change in color and a slight softening of the fruit. The exact timing will depend on the variety and growing conditions.
Related Plants
- cashew (Anacardium occidentale)
- pistachio (Pistacia vera)
- poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
- sumac (Rhus coriaria)
References
- “Mangifera indica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 29 July 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286757.
- “Mango.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 29 July 2021. edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg216.
- “Mango Tree.” Gardening Know How. Accessed 29 July 2021. www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/mango/mango-tree-information.htm.
