Mangifera indica, commonly known as the mango tree, is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall with a similar crown width. This tree is indigenous to southern Asia and is one of the most important and widely cultivated fruit trees in the tropical world. The tree produces small, fragrant, yellow-white flowers in large terminal panicles, with both male and female flowers borne on the same tree.
The fruit of the mango tree, known as a mango, is an irregular, egg-shaped fleshy drupe that varies in size and color. Mangoes can be round, oval, heart-shaped, or kidney-shaped, and are typically green when unripe, turning yellow, orange, or red as they mature. The mango tree is a valuable species, providing a source of food, shelter, and habitat for various wildlife, while its fruits are a popular and economically important crop worldwide.
Habitat
Mangifera indica is indigenous to southern Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical regions.
Planting and Care
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Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils.
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Sunlight Needs: Requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production.
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Watering Guidelines: Needs regular watering, especially during the dry season, but avoid waterlogging.
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Propagation Methods: Can be propagated by seeds or grafting. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining medium and kept moist, while grafting ensures the propagation of specific cultivars with desirable traits.
Additional Information
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Wildlife Importance: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit production, the fruits are a vital food source for various wildlife, including birds, bats, and small mammals, and the tree provides shelter and habitat for numerous species, contributing to biodiversity.
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Economic Value: Mangoes are a popular fruit worldwide, consumed fresh, dried, or processed into products like juices, jams, and pickles, various parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory issues, and the wood is used for construction, furniture making, and as a fuel source.
