Mango
A tropical stone fruit with ancient cultivation and global significance.
The mango is an edible stone fruit produced by the tropical tree Mangifera indica. It originated in northeastern South Asia, in what is now Bangladesh, northeastern India, and Myanmar, and has been cultivated in South and Southeast Asia since ancient times, resulting in two modern cultivar lineages: the 'Indian' and 'Southeast Asian' types. The mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, while the mango tree is the national tree of Bangladesh.
- Scientific name
- Mangifera indica
- Origin
- Northeastern South Asia (Bangladesh, northeastern India, Myanmar)
- Cultivar lineages
- Indian and Southeast Asian
- National fruit of
- India, Pakistan, Philippines
- National tree of
- Bangladesh
- World production (2023)
- 61 million tonnes (mangoes, mangosteens, guavas)
- Leading producer
- India (43% of total)
Lore & Background
The leaves are evergreen, turning from orange-pink to dark red to dark green as they mature. Flowers are produced in terminal panicles, small and white with a mild sweet fragrance. The fruit varies widely in size, shape, and color, with a leathery skin and a single flat stone containing a recalcitrant seed. Mangoes have been cultivated since ancient times, with domestication possibly occurring in both Southeast Asia and South Asia, as indicated by two distinct genetic populations.
Reader's Guide
The mango's significance lies in its deep cultural and economic importance across tropical and subtropical regions. Originating in South Asia, it spread to East Africa via Arab and Persian traders by the 9th–10th centuries, then globally during the Colonial Era through Portuguese and Spanish introductions. Today, India leads world production, with major cultivation in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Americas, and parts of Europe. Hundreds of cultivars exist, with 'Alphonso' prized for flavor and 'Tommy Atkins' dominant in commercial markets for its disease resistance and shelf life. Mangoes remain a staple in global cuisine and a symbol of national identity in several countries.
Did You Know?
- The English word 'mango' originated in the 16th century from Portuguese 'manga', from Malayalam 'manga', and ultimately from Tamil 'māṉ' (mango tree) + 'kāy' (unripe fruit).
- The mango is considered an evolutionary anachronism, with seed dispersal once accomplished by a now-extinct megafauna mammal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mango?
Mango is a tropical stone fruit borne by the tree Mangifera indica, one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the warm regions of the world. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is recognized by its large, fleshy, seed-bearing drupe.
Where does Mango originate from?
Mango traces its roots to northeastern South Asia, specifically the areas of present-day Bangladesh, northeastern India, and Myanmar. It has been grown and selected by farmers in South and Southeast Asia for thousands of years.
What are Mango's two main cultivar lineages?
Modern mango varieties fall into two broad groups: the 'Indian' type and the 'Southeast Asian' type. These lineages reflect distinct selection histories and differ in flesh color, fiber content, and flavor profile.
Which countries recognize Mango as their national fruit?
India, Pakistan, and the Philippines all officially designate the mango as their national fruit. Bangladesh goes a step further by naming the mango tree itself as its national tree.
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