The WALA Plant Library
Mango

Synonyms for Mango: None known
Scientific Name: Mangifera indica L.
Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew family)

Description:

The most impressive feature of this tree is its lush, glossy green. The long, oblong-shaped leaves - which can be up to 30 cm in length and are arranged in rosettes at the tips of the branches - form a dense, shade-giving crown which is interspersed with orange-pink highlights provided by the young leaves. Amidst the green expanse of the mango tree, which can reach a height of 30 metres, are panicles of small, creamy pink flowers with petals only a few millimetres long which give off a lily-like fragrance. Only two to three of the thousands of flowers on each inflorescence develop into mango fruits. The fruit, which can be up to 25 cm long and weigh up to 2 kg, hangs from the tree on long stems. The skin of the fruit can be green, yellowish-green or orange, sometimes red or purple, the shape can be oval, pear- or kidney-shaped. World-wide there are approximately 1500 different cultivars. The easily bruised, juicy flesh encloses a large, flat, smooth stone that can be fibrous or hairless on the surface depending on the cultivar. Other members of the Cashew Family include the cashew nut and pistachios.