Mango also known as the "king of fruits," is beloved worldwide due to its sweet, juicy flesh and distinct flavor. Even though, it's also used by ayurvedic for making medicine. Mangoes belong to the family Anacardiaceae of flowering plants, which also includes about thirty species of tropical fruiting trees in the genus Mangifera.
What is the Scientific Name of the Mango?
The scientific name of the mango is Mangifera indica which belongs to the genus Mangifera. It is one of the most well-known tropical fruits. Whereas, Mango trees have multiple branches emerging from the stem and are tall, dome-shaped, and covered in dense foliage. The leaves of mango trees are usually lanceolate, radially oblong, and branch spirally. Additionally, it's a seasonal fruit.
Family Names of Mango
Mangos and several other well-known plants are members of the Anacardiaceae family.
| Common Names | Scientific Names |
|---|---|
| Mango | Mangifera indica |
| Cashew | Anacardium occidentale |
| Poison Ivy | Toxicodendron radicans |
| Pistachio | Pistacia vera |
| Sumac | Rhus |
| Marula | Sclerocarya birrea |
| Peruvian Peppertree | Schinus molle |
| Brazilian Peppertree | Schinus terebinthifolia |
Taxonomy of Mango
The taxonomy of the mango places it within a specific hierarchy in the biological classification system.
| Taxonomic Rank | Scientific Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | Multicellular, photosynthetic organisms |
| Phylum | Angiosperms | Flowering plants |
| Class | Eudicots | One of the two major groups of angiosperms |
| Order | Sapindales | Includes various fruit-bearing trees and shrubs |
| Family | Anacardiaceae | Plants often with resinous bark and compound leaves |
| Genus | Mangifera | Tropical fruiting trees |
| Species | Mangifera indica | Common mango, known for its edible fruit |
Characteristics of Mango
Some of the Characteristics of Mango are given:
- Mango trees are large, reaching up to 100 feet tall with a broad, dense canopy.
- They vary in colour from red to dark green as they mature.
- The mango fruit is a drupe with a single large seed. It has tough outer skin, juicy and sweet flesh, and can vary in color from green to yellow, red, or orange.
- Mango trees can live for more than 100 years, producing fruit for several decades.
- It has various sources of vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants, and nutrients.
Geographical Distribution and Habitat of Mango
Mango is a tropical fruit that has its origins in South Asia, more precisely in the Indian subcontinent. It has been farmed for millennia, spreading to various tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Mangoes are now widely grown throughout the world, especially in Florida and California, as well as in Mexico, the Philippines, India, Thailand, and Brazil.
| Country | Annual Production (Metric Tons) | Notable Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| India | 18 million | Alphonso, Banganapalli, Kesar |
| China | 4.5 million | Tainong, Guifei, Xiangya |
| Thailand | 3 million | Nam Dok Mai, Keo Savoy |
| Mexico | 2.5 million | Ataulfo, Haden, Tommy Atkins |
| Indonesia | 2 million | Arumanis, Golek |
| Philippines | 1.5 million | Carabao, Pico |
FAQs about the Scientific Name of Mango
1. What is the scientific name of the mango?
Answer: The scientific name of the mango is Mangifera indica.
2. Where did mangoes originate?
Answer: Mangoes originated in South Asia, particularly in the region now known as India and Myanmar.
3. How many varieties of mangoes are there?
Answer: There are over 1,000 varieties of mangoes grown worldwide, each with unique flavors, sizes, and colors.
4. What climate is suitable for growing mangoes?
Answer: Mangoes grow well in regions that are tropical or subtropical and have a defined dry season. They cannot withstand frost and need warm conditions.
5. How long does it take for a mango tree to bear fruit?
Answer: In general, mango trees that are developed from seeds take 6–10 years to bear fruit, whereas those that are grown from transplantation take 3–6 years.
6. Are mangoes nutritious?
Answer: Yes, mangoes have various sources of vitamins A and C, fibre, antioxidants, and nutrients.
7. Can mango trees grow in containers?
Answer: Yes, dwarf varieties of mango trees can be grown in containers, making them suitable for small gardens or indoor cultivation.
8. How are mangoes typically consumed?
Answer: Mangoes can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in a variety of dishes, such as smoothies, salads, desserts, and chutneys.