Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Mangifera indica |
| Family Name: | Anacardiaceae (Cashew family) |
| Common Name(s): | Mango |
| Size: | Can grow up to 30-100 feet tall depending on the variety and growing conditions |
| Plant Type: | Tropical perennial tree |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to South Asia, widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world |
| Native to: | India and Southeast Asia |
| Planted range in the USA: | Commonly planted in tropical and subtropical climates, especially in Florida, California, and Hawaii |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened or endangered |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Best planted in the spring to early summer to establish before the cooler months |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun |
| Soil Type: | Rich, well-drained sandy loam |
| Soil pH: | 5.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral) |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; requires consistent moisture during the growing season, but established trees are somewhat drought tolerant |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | High; requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the growing season. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Annual pruning to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and enhance fruit production |
| Growth Rate: | Fast; young trees can grow rapidly under optimal conditions |
| Companion Planting: | Beneficial with citrus, avocado, and other fruit trees to create a diverse tropical orchard |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate; established trees can tolerate short periods of drought |
| Frost Tolerance: | Low; young trees are susceptible to frost damage. Tolerates temperatures down to about 30°F (-1°C) to 25°F (-4°C) |
| Heat Tolerance: | High; can withstand temperatures up to about 100°F (38°C) to 104°F (40°C) |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; requires protection from high winds to prevent damage to branches and fruit |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low; not suitable for direct coastal planting without wind and salt spray protection |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 10-11 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Fleshy drupe, large and variable in size and shape depending on the variety |
| Harvest Time: | Typically in the summer, varying slightly based on local climate and variety |
| Fruit Description: | Sweet, juicy, with a fibrous pit; skin color ranges from green to yellow, red, or purple depending on ripeness and variety |
| Edible Plant: | Yes, the fruit is widely consumed fresh, dried, or processed into various products |
| Edible Parts: | The fruit flesh is edible |
| Medicinal: | Parts of the plant, including leaves and bark, have traditional medicinal uses in some cultures |
| Flower Color: | Small, white to pale yellow, borne in large terminal panicles |
| Flower Shape: | Small, star-shaped flowers |
| Fragrance: | Flowers are mildly fragrant, attracting pollinators |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Late winter to early spring, depending on the climate |
| Bloom Duration: | The flowering period lasts for several weeks, ensuring a prolonged display |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Some varieties are self-fertile while others require cross-pollination by bees |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, particularly during flowering and fruiting seasons |
| Pollinators: | Bees are the primary pollinators |
| Problematic Pest: | Susceptible to pests like mango fruit fly, mealybugs, and scale insects |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No, the fruit is not toxic; however, the sap from the tree can be irritating to some people's skin |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | The sap and peel can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals |
| Toxic to Humans: | Sap may cause allergic reactions; the fruit is safe to eat |
| Toxic to Animals: | The fruit is generally safe for animal consumption in moderation |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Powdery mildew, anthracnose, and mango wilt are common diseases that can affect mango trees |
Mango - Ataulfo (Yellow)
Imagine a majestic tree that not only beautifies your garden but also rewards you with one of nature’s sweetest treasures. The Mango tree, or Mangifera indica, stands as a symbol of tropical abundance, with its lush, broad green leaves that create a canopy of shade, whispering of exotic landscapes and summer breezes.
Underneath this verdant umbrella, the magic of the mango unfolds. From late winter to early spring, the tree is adorned with clusters of tiny, fragrant white flowers, setting the stage for a spectacular transformation. As the seasons progress, these flowers give way to the mango fruits, each a jewel in its own right. The skin of these delectable fruits showcases a gradient of colors from greens to the sunniest yellows, deep oranges, and sometimes, blushing reds. The flesh inside is even more enticing: sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, encapsulating the essence of summer in every bite. Mangoes are not just a feast for the palate but a sight to behold, hanging like ornaments amidst the dense foliage, turning the Mango tree into a living centerpiece in any garden. This tree does more than produce fruit; it brings a piece of tropical paradise into your backyard, creating a lush retreat that appeals to the senses and the soul.
Companion Planting
For Mangifera indica (Mango tree), selecting compatible companion plants can enhance your garden's beauty and improve the ecological balance. Here are some ideal companion plants that are both Florida Native and Florida Friendly, complete with their USDA Planting Zone Range, benefits, and uses:
Florida Native Plants:
Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco)
Zone Range: 10-11
Benefits: Offers dense foliage that can help provide microclimate stabilization for mango trees.
Use: Plant around the periphery of mango trees to help reduce wind impact and stabilize temperature.
Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera)
Zone Range: 10-11
Benefits: Tough and salt-tolerant, sea grape can act as a windbreak and offer partial shade in very sunny areas.
Use: Suitable for coastal areas; plant on the windward side of mango trees.
Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Provides understory cover and attracts pollinators which can benefit the overall pollination of mango flowers.
Use: Plant under the canopy of mango trees where they can enjoy filtered light.
Florida Friendly Plants:
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Zone Range: All zones as annuals
Benefits: Known to repel pests naturally, marigolds can help keep the soil around mango trees healthier.
Use: Plant around the base of mango trees to deter pests through their natural insecticidal properties.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Its strong scent can deter pests, and it helps to add organic matter to the soil as it grows and decomposes.
Use: Plant lemongrass along the borders of your mango tree planting area to maximize its pest-repellent properties.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Zone Range: 2-11
Benefits: Sunflowers can attract beneficial insects that help control pests and can serve as a windbreak for young mango trees.
Use: Plant sunflowers strategically around the mango garden to provide shelter and attract beneficial wildlife.
Implementation Tips:
Consider Light Requirements: All chosen plants should thrive under similar light conditions as mango trees to ensure uniform growth.
Watering and Soil Needs: Group plants with similar water and soil preferences to promote health and reduce maintenance.
Aesthetic Considerations: Choose plants that offer contrasting but harmonious colors and textures to maximize visual interest and create a dynamic garden landscape.
This list of companion plants enhances the visual appeal and functionality of your garden by complementing your mango trees with other beneficial plants. This approach not only supports a healthier garden ecosystem but also maximizes the use of space and resources in your gardening endeavors.