Mango, Common Mango
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Sapindales, Family: Anacardiaceae, Genus: Mangifera, Species: Mangifera indica · Anacardiaceae (Cashew or Sumac family) · Simple, Evergreen
Species
Mangifera indica (95% confidence based on leaf morphology and venation)
Leaf Type
Simple, Evergreen
Family
Anacardiaceae (Cashew or Sumac family)
Shape
Lanceolate to elliptical; oblong with a tapering apex.
Size
Approximately 4-6 inches in length for this sapling. Mature leaves typically range from 6 to 16 inches long and 1 to 4 inches wide.
Margin
Entire (smooth) and slightly undulate (wavy) toward the edges.
Arrangement
Alternate, often appearing in clusters or pseudo-whorls at the tips of branches.
Rarity
Very Common; one of the most widely cultivated fruit trees globally.
Color & Pattern
Rich deep green on the upper surface, slightly paler beneath. New growth often emerges as a distinct reddish-bronze or purple before maturing to green.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a very prominent, lighter-colored midrib and numerous secondary veins extending toward the margin.
Texture & Surface
Leathery (coriaceous), glossy on the upper surface, and glabrous (smooth/hairless).
Description
A dense, evergreen tree with a spreading canopy. In the wild, it can reach heights of 100 feet, though garden varieties are smaller. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, smelling somewhat like turpentine or resin. It produces small, yellowish-pink flowers in large panicles, followed by the famous fleshy drupe fruit.
Key Features
Prominent raised midrib, leathery texture, wavy margins, and the distinctive 'mangiferin' scent of the crushed foliage. The sapling's reddish stem is also a diagnostic trait.
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical climates; prefers deep, well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Needs full sun.
Geographic Range
Native to Southern Asia (India and Myanmar), but widely cultivated and naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Florida, California, and Hawaii.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is some minor mechanical damage or insect herbivory (notching) on the lower right leaf and a small necrotic spot on another. The presence of water on the leaves suggests recent watering or rain.
Interesting Facts
The Mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Some trees are known to live and bear fruit for over 300 years.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily grown for its edible fruit. The wood is used for low-cost furniture. In traditional medicine, various parts are used for digestive issues, though official medical evidence is limited.
Ecological Role
Provides significant food sources for bats, birds, and insects. In some areas outside its native range, it can become moderately invasive in forest understories.
Similar Species
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) has broader, more rounded leaf tips. Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia) has compound leaves.
Foraging Tips
In tropical urban areas, look for large, dense umbrellas of dark green foliage. The presence of dried flower stalks or 'turpentine' smelling leaves confirms the genus.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic to sensitive individuals. Being in the Anacardiaceae family, the sap, skin of the fruit, and leaves contain urushiol-like compounds that can cause contact dermatitis (rashes) similar to poison ivy.