Contents
Description
Mangifera, also known as the mango tree, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to South Asia and is now widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world due to its delicious fruit. The mango fruit is known for its sweet and juicy flesh and is often referred to as the “king of fruits” in many cultures.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Mangifera |
Appearance
Mangifera trees can grow up to 100 feet tall, but most cultivated trees are pruned to a more manageable size. The leaves are evergreen and can grow up to 16 inches long. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, usually greenish-yellow in color. The fruit is a large drupe that can vary in size, shape, and color depending on the variety. Most mango fruits are oval-shaped and have a yellow-orange skin with a red blush.
Care Guide
To grow a healthy Mangifera tree, it is important to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips on how to care for your mango tree:- Water: Mangifera trees need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 6-6-6. Fertilize your tree four times a year, in early spring, late spring, early summer, and late summer.- Soil: Mangifera trees grow best in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. If it is too alkaline, add sulfur to lower the pH.- Sunlight: Mangifera trees need full sun to thrive. Make sure your tree is planted in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Mangifera trees are tropical plants and can only survive in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11. If you live in a colder climate, consider growing your mango tree in a greenhouse or indoors.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like any plant, Mangifera trees are susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause black spots on the leaves and fruit, and can eventually kill the tree if left untreated.- Fruit flies: These pests lay their eggs inside the mango fruit, causing it to rot from the inside out.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, as well as stunted growth.- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves, as well as webbing on the undersides of the leaves.To prevent these problems, make sure to keep your tree healthy and well-maintained. If you do notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat them promptly with the appropriate fungicides or insecticides.
Habitat
Mangifera trees are native to South Asia, but are now widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world. They prefer a warm and humid climate, with temperatures between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They can grow in a variety of soil types, as long as the soil is well-draining and has a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for a Mangifera tree to bear fruit?
A: It can take Mangifera trees anywhere from 3 to 6 years to bear fruit, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Q: Can you grow a Mangifera tree from a seed?
A: Yes, you can grow a Mangifera tree from a seed, but it may not produce fruit that is true to the parent plant. It is better to propagate your tree through grafting or cutting.
Q: How often should I prune my Mangifera tree?
A: Prune your Mangifera tree once a year in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as to shape the tree for better fruit production.
Q: Can Mangifera trees grow in containers?
A: Yes, Mangifera trees can grow in containers, but they will require regular pruning and fertilization to keep them healthy and productive.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Mangifera:- Anacardium occidentale (cashew)- Pistacia vera (pistachio)- Rhus chinensis (Chinese sumac)- Spondias mombin (yellow mombin)- Spondias purpurea (red mombin)
References
– “Mangifera indica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285027&isprofile=0&.- “Mangifera indica.” PlantNet. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.plantnet.org/en/planthybase/?q=Mangifera+indica.- “Mango.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg216.
