The mango, scientifically known as Mangifera indica, is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. Native to tropical Asia, the mango is widely cultivated in many parts of the world for its delicious fruit and economic value.
Main Characteristics:
Height and Appearance: The mango is a medium-to-large tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters, although in cultivated orchards it is usually kept shorter for easier harvesting. It has a dense, rounded crown with spreading branches. The bark is grayish in color and becomes rougher with age.
Leaves: Mango leaves are evergreen, simple, alternate, and lanceolate, with a deep green color. They have a leathery texture and can grow up to 30 centimeters in length.
Flowers and Fruit: Mango flowers are small, fragrant, and white or yellowish. They produce clusters of fruits called mangoes, which vary in size, shape, color, and flavor depending on the variety. Mangoes are fleshy, thin-skinned fruits that can be round, elongated, or ovoid.
Climate and Habitat: Mangoes are native to tropical Asia but are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They prefer warm climates with average temperatures above 10°C and require a dry season to induce flowering and fruiting.
Uses and Applications:
Fruit: Mangoes are prized for their delicious sweet and juicy flavor, as well as their versatility in cooking. They are eaten fresh and used in salads, juices, desserts, sauces, and preserves.
Traditional Medicine: In some cultures, various parts of the mango tree, including the bark, leaves, and fruits, are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as digestive problems, respiratory disorders, and skin conditions.
Wood: Mango wood is hard, durable, and has an attractive color that varies from light to dark brown. It is used in the manufacture of furniture, flooring, paneling, and other woodworking products.
Cosmetics: The oil extracted from the mango kernel is used in the cosmetics industry to manufacture hair and skin care products.
Economic and Cultural Importance:
The mango is one of the most popular and widely traded tropical fruits worldwide. In addition to its economic importance, the mango has great cultural significance in many regions where it is grown, being an integral part of local cuisine and cultural festivals and celebrations.
In short, the mango is a tropical fruit tree valued both for its delicious fruit and for its multiple uses in traditional medicine, the timber industry, and cosmetics. Its cultivation and consumption are rooted in numerous cultures around the world.
