The mango is the fruit of a large, long-lived tree, scientifically known as Mangifera indica. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes cashew and pistachio. This species is one of the most economically important fruit crops in the world, cultivated for centuries across tropical and subtropical regions. The mango tree is characterized as a large, tropical evergreen, meaning it retains its foliage year-round.
Defining the Mango Tree
The Mangifera indica is a substantial plant, often reaching impressive heights of 50 to 100 feet with a similarly broad, dense, and rounded canopy. This evergreen nature provides year-round shade and allows the tree to maintain its dark green, leathery leaves even during dry periods. The tree develops a deep, extensive root system anchored by a long taproot that can extend down to six meters, which aids in its drought tolerance once established. Mango trees possess remarkable longevity, with many cultivated specimens remaining productive for over a century, and some documented cases fruiting for more than 300 years. The stout trunk typically branches between two and six feet above the ground, forming the strong base for its wide crown.
The Life Cycle of Mango Fruiting
The process of fruit production begins when the mango tree develops terminal inflorescences known as panicles, which are large clusters of small, yellowish-white, fragrant flowers. Within these panicles, the tree produces both male flowers and hermaphrodite flowers, the latter containing both male and female reproductive parts. Pollination is often carried out by insects, which transfer pollen to facilitate fertilization. After successful fertilization, only a small fraction of the many flowers mature into fruit, starting to swell.
The fruit maturation phase typically requires three to six months after the initial flowering, depending on the specific variety and local climate. Many older mango varieties exhibit alternate bearing, where the tree produces a heavy crop one year and a much lighter one the next. Grafted trees, which are clones of mature plants, usually begin yielding fruit much sooner than seedlings, often within three to four years of planting.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Mango trees thrive best in tropical and subtropical climates that are consistently warm and completely free of frost. A specific environmental cue is needed to stimulate the flowering process, which is usually a pronounced dry season or a period of cooler temperatures. The trees have a very low tolerance for freezing conditions, and a sudden cold snap can severely damage or kill the developing flowers and young fruit. Mangoes require deep, well-drained soil, often preferring loamy compositions, to prevent waterlogging. The soil pH should remain within the slightly acidic to neutral range, typically between 5.2 and 7.5.