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| ## Mango {#mango .Title-Header}                                       |
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| *Mangifera indica* L.                                                 |
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| Plant Symbol = MAIN3                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.69375in" height="3.591666666666667in"}

##### Alternate Names {#alternate-names .Header-3}

Kangit, idele, mago, mangot, manako, mango, manggah saipan, manko,
meneke, mangko, mangou, manga, mangga, manja, mangoro, manguier, mangue,
manguiera, paho, mempelam, te mangko, asai, damangko, mago, edel, kanit,
kehngid, tumi vi.

**Caution**: The mango skin and sap can be allergic to some people and
should be eaten with caution as they can produce the same type of
allergic reactions as poison ivy/oak/sumac, including skin lesions or
the more serious swollen lips and tongue.

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

*Human Food*: The fruit is used in jams, preserves, pies, chutney, ice
cream, jellies, canned fruits, and in frozen or dried fruits. However,
fresh consumption is the most important and widest use of the fruit. The
fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C.

Green mangoes are often cooked and eaten like vegetables or made into a
delicious chutney or dried and ground into a powder called \"amchoor\"
and used to impart a sour flavor to food.

The kernels can be boiled and eaten with greens or ground and eaten
roasted, dried, or pickled; but are generally eaten in times of famine
or by the poorest.

### *Livestock Food*: Mango leaves are occasionally fed to cattle, but large quantities can cause death.

The fruits are relished by both cattle and pigs; however, the kernels
are fairly rich in tannins, which progressively lead to reduced growth
rates and less efficient feed utilization when included as a major
component in diets for pigs and poultry.

Mangoes that are not fully mature are sliced and ensiled in pits 1.5 m3
dug in the ground and lined with large leaves. One percent salt should
be added. The pits are tightly covered with leaves and soil. This silage
can be used for off-season pig feeding.

*Ethnobotanic*: Dried mango flowers, containing 15% tannin, serve as
astringents in cases of diarrhea, chronic dysentery, catarrh of the
bladder and chronic urethritis. The bark was used against rheumatism and
diphtheria. The resinous gum from the trunk was applied to cracks in the
skin of the feet and on scabies. Mango kernel decoction and powder were
used as vermifuges and as astringents in treatment for diarrhea,
hemorrhages and bleeding hemorrhoids. Leaf decoction was taken as a
remedy for fever, chest pains, diarrhea, diabetes, and hypertension.
Extracts of bark, leaves, stems, and unripe fruits were used as
antibiotics for many ills.

When mango trees are in bloom, it is not uncommon for people to suffer
itching around the eyes, facial swelling and respiratory difficulty,
even though there is no airborne pollen. The few pollen grains are large
and they tend to adhere to each other even in dry weather. The stigma is
small and not designed to catch windborne pollen. The irritant is
probably the vaporized essential oil of the flowers which contains the
sesquiterpene alcohol, mangiferol, and the ketone, mangiferone.

The twigs and leaves, used to clean the teeth, are said to be beneficial
to the gums, while the bark is said to be useful for toothaches. The
astringent stomachic bark is also used for internal hemorrhages,
bronchitis, and catarrh. The resin is used for cracked feet, ringworm,
and other fungi, syphilis, and to induce sweating. Smoke from the
burning leaves is believed to cure various throat disorders, from asthma
to hiccups. Dried mango flowers, containing 15% tannin, serve as
astringents in cases of diarrhea, chronic dysentery, catarrh of the
bladder and chronic urethritis resulting from gonorrhea.

Green fruits are considered anticholeric (baked and mixed with sugar and
taken internally and also rubbed over the body), antidysmenorrheic,
antiscorbutic, astringent, and diaphoretic. Roasted green fruits are
dissolved in sugar water and taken internally to prevent sunstroke. Ripe
fruits are considered diuretic, laxative, and unguent. A gruel made of
the seeds is taken internally for bleeding piles. The wood is favored
for making shovels.

The bark contains mangiferine and is astringent and employed against
rheumatism and diphtheria in India. The resinous gum from the trunk is
applied on cracks in the skin of the feet and on scabies, and is
believed helpful in cases of syphilis.

Mango kernel decoction and powder (not tannin-free) are used as
vermifuges and as astringents in diarrhea, hemorrhages and bleeding
hemorrhoids. The fat is administered in cases of stomatitis. Extracts of
unripe fruits and of bark, stems and leaves have shown antibiotic
activity. In some of the islands of the Caribbean, the leaf decoction is
taken as a remedy for diarrhea, fever, chest complaints, diabetes,
hypertension and other ills. A combined decoction of mango and other
leaves is taken after childbirth.

Seed fat: Having high stearic acid content, the fat is desirable for
soap-making. The seed residue after fat extraction is usable for cattle
feed and soil enrichment.

Bark: The bark possesses 16% to 20% tannin and has been employed for
tanning hides. It yields a yellow dye, or, with turmeric and lime, a
bright rose-pink.

*Wood:* Kiln-dried and preservative treatment wood is used to make
window frames, rafters, joists, plywood, shoe heels, boxes, boats, and
canoes.

*Wildlife*: Mango fruit and leaves are eaten by deer.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

#####  {#section .Header-3}

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

## General: The cashew family (Anacardiaceae), of which mango is a member, includes a number of species which can cause severe skin irritation in humans. Poison ivy (*Rhus toxicodendron*), found in North America, is one particularly notable example. For most people, mango has no such effect, but in sensitive individuals ingestion of the fruit, or skin contact with its juice, may cause a poison ivy-like rash.

Mango is a large evergreen tree that can reach 15 to 30 m tall. They are
fast growing erect trees with slender to broad and rounded upright
canopy that can be used for landscape and shade. The trees are long
-lived with some still producing fruit at 300 years old. The tree is
anchored by a long unbranched taproot can descend to a depth of 6-8 m
plus a mass of feeder roots. The feeder roots send down anchor roots
which penetrate the soil to a depth of 1.2 m and spread lateral as far
as 7.5 m.

The leaves are alternate, simple, leathery, oblong-lanceolate, 29-30 cm
long X 3-5 cm wide on flowering branches, up to 50 cm on sterile
branches. The young leaves are red, aging to shiny dark green above,
lighter below, with yellow or white venation.

### 

The inflorescence is a much-branched panicle bearing many very small (4
mm) greenish white or pinkish flowers. Both male and bisexual flowers
are borne on the same tree. The flowers are radially symmetrical, and
usually have 5 petals, streaked with red. There is usually only 1
fertile stamen per flower; the 4 other stamens are sterile. The flower
has a conspicuous 5-lobed disk between the petals and stamens.

The fruit is an irregularly egg-shaped and slightly compressed fleshy
drupe, 8-12 (-30) cm long, attached at the broadest end on a pendulous
stalk. The skin is smooth greenish-yellow, sometimes tinged with red.
The underlying yellow-orange flesh varies in quality from soft, sweet,
juicy and fiber-free in high-quality selected (clonal) varieties to
turpentine-flavored and fibrous in unselected (wild) seedlings. The
single, compressed-ovoid seed is encased in the white fibrous inner
layer of the fruit.

Mangoes can be round, oval, heart-shaped, or kidney-shaped; and can
weigh as little as a few ounces or as much as five pounds. Their highly
aromatic flesh surrounds a very large inedible flat seed. At its best,
it has a pleasant resinous quality, but at its worst can smell like
kerosene. The soft pulp is juicy and sweet, although it can sometimes
has an acid overtone. Some mangoes have fibrous flesh, while others are
buttery all the way through.

The round or oval fruit is somewhat flattened and can weigh up to 0.5
kg. The flesh of good fruit has a pleasant aromatic flavor, but inferior
varieties have a turpentine flavor and can be rather fibrous. In the
centre is the large fibrous flat seed containing a kernel.

## *Distribution and Habitat*: The mango is native to southern Asia, especially Burma and eastern India. It spread early on to Malaya, eastern Asia and eastern Africa.

Mangoes are grown throughout the tropics, from the Caribbean to Africa,
South-East Asia, Australia, as well as India, where the history of the
fruit goes back over 6,000 years and closely connected to the Hindu
religion. As long ago as the 16th century, mangoes had been distributed
via cultivation throughout the Indian subcontinent, and eventually to
all tropical regions of the world.

It performs best at elevations from 0-1200 m. with a pronounced rainy
season for vegetative growth, a dry season for flowering and fruiting,
and on well-drained soils ranging in pH between 5.5 to 7.5. It was not
until the 19th century that traders introduced the fruit to the West
Indies, Africa, South America, Mexico, Florida, and Hawaii. Mangoes were
introduced to California (Santa Barbara) in 1880.

For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this
species on the PLANTS Web site.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Extensive information on propagation and establishment, particularly
through grafting for the Pacific Basin Islands can be found in Bally
(2006). This document is available on the Web at
\<[www.traditionaltree.org](http://www.traditionaltree.org/)\>.

In deep sandy type soil the tap root will decend to 20 feet with the
feeder roots growing in descending order. The mango requires full sun
and perfect air drainage in winter.

Mangos will grow in almost any well-drained sandy, loam or clay soil but
does not grow well in heavy wet soils. Soil ph must be between 5.5 and
7.5. They are somewhat tolerant of alkalinity. Plantings established
during the dry season will require rainfall or irrigation everyday. The
amount of irrigation required will depend on soil type, amount of
rainfall, and temperature. Light sandy soils will require almost
continues watering until the fruit is harvested. Irrigation should be
discontinued when rainfall is sufficient enough to keep the soil moist.
Young seedlings require applications of nitrogen fertilizer to promote
healthy growth and flower production. However, care must be taken not to
create fertilizer burn.

*Propagation by seed*: Remove the husk and plant the seed with the hump
at soil level. Seed will normally germinate in two to four weeks.
Seedlings developed from seed will bloom and bear in three to six years.

*Propagation by grafting:* Small plants with a diameter about the size
of a pencil graft well with the common whip graft. Crown groove graft
allows several scions to be put on at once. Fully grown trees may be
top-worked by crown groove bark graft or prune hard and whip graft
sprouts later. Plastic bagging with a few drops of moisture will improve
the graft's chances of being successful. Grafts are most successful if
the leaves are allowed to remain below the graft, but removed suckers.
When top working, do not dehorn the entire tree, leave several braches
fully leafed.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Extensive information on the management of mango in Hawaii and the
Pacific Basin Islands can be found in Bally (2006). This document is
available on the Web at
\<[www.traditionaltree.org](http://www.traditionaltree.org/)\>.

Mango trees managed for commercial fruit production should be irrigated
once weekly in coastal areas and almost continuously in dry areas until
the fruit is harvested. After harvest, irrigation should be reduced to a
level that prevents wilt. This process should continue for about two
months before increasing irrigation to initiate new bloom and growth
cycle. While irrigation is important for tree establishment and
survival, it must be part of an overall management plan that includes
fertilization. These trees require a feeding program similar to the one
used for citrus. This feeding program must include nitrogen and the
micronutrient especially iron.

Once plantings are established pruning can be used to stimulate new
growth, provide for uniform annual fruit bearing, and control size.
Pruning should be preformed in late winter and early spring to avoid
loss of fruit. When pruning or removing litter avoid getting the sap on
unprotected skin, because the sap can cause severe dermatitis. Pruned
material and other mango litter should not be burned to avoid breathing
affected air.

##### Pests and Potential Problems {#pests-and-potential-problems .Header-3}

In the Pacific Basin, the mango fly (*Bactrocera frauenfeldi* Schiner)
is quite widespread (Pest Management in the Pacific Project 2007). Also,
the mango shoot caterpillar (*Penicillaria jocosatrix* Guenee) affects
mango throughout the area (Nafus 2005).

Major insect pests are: mites \[avocado red mite (*Oligonychus
yothersii* McG.), tumid mite (*Tetranychus* *tumidus* Banks), and broad
mite (*Polyphagotarsonemus latus* Banks)\]; scales \[lesser snow scale
(*Pinnaspis strachani* Cooley); soft scales: pyriform scale
(*Protopulvinaria*)*p pyriformis* Ckll.), mango shield scale (*P.
mangiferae* Green), acuminate scale (*Kilifia acuminata* Sign.), Florida
wax scale (*Ceroplastes floridensis* Comst.); armored scales: Florida
red scale (*Chrysomphalus ficus* L.), and dictyospermum scale (*C.
dictyospermi* Morg.)\]; and thrips \[red-banded thrips (*Selenothrips
rubrocinctus* Giard.), and Florida flower thrips (*Frankliniella
cephalica* D.L. Crawford)\]. Mango trees are also affected by mango
decline, a problem associated with micronutrient deficiency. Diseases
include: anthracnose (*Colletotrichum gloeosporioides* Penz.), which
affects fruits, inflorescences and foliage; powdery mildew (*Oidium*
sp.) on inflorescences; and mango scab (*Elsinoe,* mangiferae, Bitanc &
Jenk.). Internal breakdown of the fruit is an important problem, the
cause of which has not yet been determined. Alga spot (*Cephaleuros sp*)
attacks flowers, young fruit, twigs and leaves.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

Popular varieties in Hawai'i include 'Haden', 'Ah Ping', 'Gouviea',
'Momi K', 'Fairchild', 'Pope', 'Rapoza', and 'Harders'. In the Solomon
Islands and Fiji, the Australian variety 'Kensington Pride' has been
introduced and grown successfully. In Samoa, the mango varieties 'Momi
K', 'Fiji', 'Mapulehu', 'White Pirie', 'Rapoza', 'Jara', and 'Kensington
Pride' are common. In Tahiti, 'Kopu Reva' is a popular variety (Bally
2006). Bally provides an extensive discussion of recommended varieties
for Hawaii and the Pacific Basin Islands on the Web at
\<[www.traditionaltree.org](http://www.traditionaltree.org/)\>.

Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil
Conservation Service) office for more information. Look in the phone
book under "United States Government." The Natural Resources
Conservation Service will be listed under the subheading "Department of
Agriculture."

##### References {#references .Header-3}

Bally, I.S.E. 2006. *Mangifera indica (mango)*. In: Elevitch, C.R.
(ed.). Species Profiles for Pacific

Island Agroforestry. Permanent Agriculture Resources (PAR), Hōlualoa,
Hawai'i. \<http://www.traditionaltree.org\>

Bompard, J.M. 1993. *The Genus Mangifera rediscovered: the potential
contribution of wild species to mango cultivation*. Acta Horticulturae
341, 69-77.

Campbell, R.J., C.W. Campbell, and N. Ledesma. 2002. *Tropical mangos:
Growing the world's most delicious fruit*. Fairchild Tropical Garden,
Coral Gables, Florida.

Clarke, W.C. & R.R. Thaman. 1993. *Chapter 6: Agroforestry in
Micronesia*. In: Agroforestry in the Pacific Islands: Systems for
Sustainability. Accessed: 070213. United Nations University Press,
Tokyo. \<http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/80824e/80824E0f.htm\>.

Collins. 1903. *The mango in Puerto Rico*. USDA BPI Bulletin 28.

Crane, J.H. and C.W. Campbell. 1994. *The mango*. Fact Sheet HS-2.
Horticultural Sciences Dept. Florida Cooperative Extension Serv., Inst.
of Food and Agri Science. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

#####  {#section-2 .Header-3}

Gangolly, S.R. et al. 1957. *The mang.* Indian Council of Agriculture
Research, New Dehli.

Higgins. 1906. *The mango in Hawaii.* AES Bulletin No.12., Honolulu,
Hawaii.

Knight, R.J., Jr. and R.J. Schnell. 1993. *Mango (Mangifera indica L.)
introduction and evaluation in Florida and its impact on the world
industry*. Acta Horticulturae 341, 125- 135.

Kostermans, A.J.G.H. 1997. *The mango: Botany, production and uses*.
University Press, Cambridge.

Litz, R.E. (ed.). 1997. The mango: Botany, production and uses. 1^st^
Edition. CAB International, Wallingford, UK.

Morton, J.F. 1987. *Fruits of warm climates*. Creative Resources
Systems, Inc. pp. 221-237.

Nafus, D. 2005. Tree pests of the Marianas series. University of Guam,
Cooperative Extension Service.
http://www.crees.org/plantprotection/AubWeb/bugweb/i248.htm

Naik, K.C. and S.R. Gangolly 1950..*Monograph on classification and
nomenclature of South Indian mangos.* Supt. of Government Press, Madras.

Pest Management in the Pacific Project. 2007. *Pacific fruit fly web*.
Accessed: 070213. http://www.spc.int/pacifly/

Popenoe, W.1917. *Pollination of the mango*. USDA Bulletin No. 542,
Washington, DC.

Ruehle, G.D and R.B. Ledlin. 1955*. Mango growing in Florida*. Univ. of
Florida AES Bulletin No. 542, Gainesville.

Samson, J. A.1986. *Tropical fruits.* 2nd ed. Longman Scientific and
Technical. pp. 216-234.

USDA Forest Service. 2006. *Mangifera indica L., Anacardiaceae*. Pacific
Island Ecosystems At Risk. Accessed: 070213.
http://www.hear.org/pier/species/mangifera_indica.htm

##### Prepared By {#prepared-by .Header-3}

##### *Lincoln M. Moore*, Formerly USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

##### Species Coordinator {#species-coordinator .Header-3}

##### *Lincoln M. Moore*, Formerly USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

##### Edited: 12aug20004 lmm ; 070212 jsp; 070213 jsp {#edited-12aug20004-lmm-070212-jsp-070213-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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