Common name Mango
Botanical name Mangifera indica
Family Anacardiaceae
Natural range India/south-east Asia
Mature height 15-20m
Form Wide canopy
Likes Full sun, tropical conditions
Dislikes Cold weather
Where to plant Warmer areas (Sydney, Perth or further north)
Known for Delicious fruit
What is a Mango Tree Really Like?
Let’s dive into the world of the Mango tree, an iconic member of the Anacardiaceae family, with its botanical name being Mangifera indica. With a natural range encompassing India and South-East Asia, the mango tree is a vision of tropical magnificence, reaching mature heights of 15-20m and flaunting a wide, sun-loving canopy.
How to Choose the Best Location for Your Mango Tree?
Mango trees are sun worshippers, basking in full sun and tropical conditions. They aren’t fans of cold weather and find their best home in warmer areas, ideally locations such as Sydney, Perth or further north. The more sunshine they get, the happier these trees are, leading to better fruit yield.
How Many Varieties Exist?
While we all have tasted the deliciousness of a mango, you might be surprised to know that there are hundreds of varieties of this fruit worldwide. In Australia, Kensington Pride enjoys great popularity, but others like Calypso, Honey Gold, as well as green-eating types such as Keow Savoey, Falan and Nam Doc Mai also have a significant presence.
Ever Tasted a Green Mango?
Green mangoes have a dedicated fan base in South-East Asian countries where they’re relished with a sprinkling of salt and chilli. Despite what you might think, this flavour combination is incredibly tantalising! The colour of mangoes isn’t limited to the typical yellow-orange, as certain varieties boast a pale yellow, gold, green, or a stunning orange to red gradient on their skin.
What Makes the Mango Fruit Unique?
Mangoes offer a diverse range of sizes, shapes, and sweetness levels. They can be as small as 150gm or grow into colossal sizes of 2kg per fruit. Hidden within the delicious pulp of the fruit is a single flat, oblong pip. It can be quite fibrous and does not part easily from the pulp.
How Does a Mango Tree Bear Fruit?
Growing a mango tree in Australia is feasible, but getting it to bear fruit could be a challenge in colder states. Most mango trees begin fruiting after about six years, and it takes between 100-150 days for the fruits to mature. The ripening season for these tropical delights extends from late summer through late winter, depending on the variety.
Did You Know Mango Trees Can Flower Year-Round?
An important breakthrough in mango cultivation has revolutionised the way we see this fruit. Filipino horticulturist Ramon Barba, in 1974, discovered the use of potassium nitrate and ethrel to induce flowering in mango trees. Before this, mangoes were only seasonal fruits as they flowered every 16 to 18 months. This innovation has allowed mango plantations to bear fruit year-round, and this method is now utilised in most mango-producing countries.
Interesting Facts:
- The mango tree is considered sacred in several cultures due to its longevity and fruit-bearing capacity.
- Mango trees can live for more than 300 years and continue to bear fruit.
Further Reading Links:
- Mango – Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants
- Mango Varieties – Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland
More from our Tree Spotlight collection
Liked this tree? Jump to something else. There’s not many like it.
Back to the Tree Spotlight main page
