Mango tree
Mangifera sp.
Alphonso
About this plant
Mangifera is a genus of tropical fruit trees best known for the mango, a sweet and juicy fruit enjoyed worldwide. These trees have dense, evergreen foliage and produce fragrant flowers before fruiting. Mango trees are valued for their delicious fruit and shade.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Mangifera
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Sapindales
- Plant type
- Tree
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- South Asia, India, Myanmar
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, originally native to South Asia.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Outdoor, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, Southwest-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 3–10 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 5 °C
- Maximum
- 45 °C
- Optimal
- 24-30 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 10-12
- Soil pH
- 5.5-7.5
- Soil type
- well-draining loam
Watering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between watering. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, typically every 2-3 months. Young trees benefit from higher nitrogen, while mature trees need more potassium and phosphorus to support fruiting.
Mangifera species are tropical trees that prefer warm, sunny locations and well-draining soil. They need regular watering during dry periods but dislike waterlogged soil. They are moderately easy to care for but require space to grow and protection from frost.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Seeds, Cuttings, Grafting
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- spring
Glossy green leaves, fragrant small flowers, and large, colorful fruit.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Mildly toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Mildly toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Sap may cause skin irritation; keep away from children and pets to avoid ingestion of seeds or unripe fruit which can cause stomach upset.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Moderate
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen, Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- Moderate
Mangifera species, including mango trees, can produce pollen that may cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, such as sneezing or itchy eyes during flowering. The sap may also cause skin irritation in some people. To reduce exposure, avoid direct contact with the sap and stay indoors during heavy pollen release.
Common problems
Common problems include root rot from overwatering, leaf spots from fungal infections, and pest issues such as scale insects or mealybugs.
Uses
Primarily grown for its edible fruit, mangoes are also used ornamentally for shade and landscape beauty in tropical areas.
Notes
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Repot young trees annually or every two years. Protect from frost and strong winds.