MANGO
Mangifera indica
FAMILY Anacardiaceae
SYNONYMS
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
COMMON MANGO
MANAKO
INDIAN MANGO
IEDEL
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See: all Mangifera
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by M. Ritter, J. Yost, J. Reimer, C. Stubler, M. Ritter
GENERAL INFO
Mangos are cultivated throughout the tropical world, and hundreds of cultivated varieties exist, some of which are over 1,000 years old. Mangos are grown ubiquitously in Hawai‘i and have become naturalized in windward low elevation areas. Many cultivars (‘Haden being the most popular) have been introduced into the Islands since the species was initially brought in the early 1800s. Trees produce best in hotter, drier leeward areas, but during extended dry periods require some irrigation to thrive. The sap from broken leaves may cause a contact dermatitis (like poison ivy and poison oak).Mangifera indica has a HPWRA (Hawai‘i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of 1 (Evaluate), and the Plant Pono link is: https://plantpono.org/pono-plants/mangifera-indica/.
Native range: IndiaHorticultural use: Shade Tree or Screen or HedgedEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: One of the most celebrated and beloved tropical fruits, mangos are important worldwide in culinary traditions, folk medicine, and economic production. Mangos were domesticated as early as 2000 BC by peoples in the Indian subcontinent. The mango tree is sacred and religiously important in India and Southeast Asia; they are planted and cared for in sacred groves, referenced in religious texts, and used in ritual adornment during ceremonies. The excellent fruit can be eaten fresh and raw, made into jams, dried fruit, chutney, candy, juices, sweets, or cooked into savory dishes and curries. In Ayurveda traditional medicine, all parts of the trees have been used to treat disease and injury. Approximately 55 million tons of mango fruit were produced worldwide in 2020, indicating the economic importance of this crop to many tropical countries. Many hundreds of mango cultivars have been developed for variation in fruit qualities and cultivation success in different climates. The wood is used in house construction, bowl making, flooring, furniture, and the creation of musical instruments. Mango trees were introduced to Hawaii in 1825, and now grow abundantly throughout the Honolulu urban area, neighborhoods, and have naturalized in the lowland forest (Mukherjee, 1972; Rai et al., 2007) Citations Page
Native range: IndiaHorticultural use: Shade Tree or Screen or HedgedEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: One of the most celebrated and beloved tropical fruits, mangos are important worldwide in culinary traditions, folk medicine, and economic production. Mangos were domesticated as early as 2000 BC by peoples in the Indian subcontinent. The mango tree is sacred and religiously important in India and Southeast Asia; they are planted and cared for in sacred groves, referenced in religious texts, and used in ritual adornment during ceremonies. The excellent fruit can be eaten fresh and raw, made into jams, dried fruit, chutney, candy, juices, sweets, or cooked into savory dishes and curries. In Ayurveda traditional medicine, all parts of the trees have been used to treat disease and injury. Approximately 55 million tons of mango fruit were produced worldwide in 2020, indicating the economic importance of this crop to many tropical countries. Many hundreds of mango cultivars have been developed for variation in fruit qualities and cultivation success in different climates. The wood is used in house construction, bowl making, flooring, furniture, and the creation of musical instruments. Mango trees were introduced to Hawaii in 1825, and now grow abundantly throughout the Honolulu urban area, neighborhoods, and have naturalized in the lowland forest (Mukherjee, 1972; Rai et al., 2007) Citations Page
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: RoundedMaximum Tree Height: 50 feetCanopy Width: 30 feetGrowth Rate: ~24-36 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OblongLeaf color: GreenFlowers: ShowyFlower Color: WhiteFlower Time: Winter or SpringFruit: Very Large Green, Yellow or Red DrupeFruiting time: Spring or SummerFruit Value: Edible, Wildlife use itBark Color: Brown, BlockyLitter Type: Leaves, Fruit
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: Greater than 7'Water Use Rating: HighSunset Climate Zone: 23 - 24, H1, H2Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 11, 12Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Acidic to AlkalineWind Resistance: Medium Low
CONSIDERATIONS
Root Damage Potential: LowBiogenic Emissions: ModerateWildlife interactions: Attracts bees, birdsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Anthracnose, Sooty Mold and ScalesUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group —, Approx. cross sectional area —
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Mangifera indica Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on May 5, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/922 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/922 >
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