Anacardiaceae
Mangifera indica
Mango · Mwembe
T
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A large evergreen tree, the Mango features a dense, umbrella-shaped crown and shiny dark green, simple leaves, with new foliage often appearing reddish-purple. It produces small, fragrant yellowish-green or whitish-red flowers, leading to an irregular, egg-shaped fleshy drupe fruit that ripens from green to greenish-yellow, sometimes with red, containing sweet, orange flesh around a large, flat pit. The bark is brown and can become rough or scaly with age, exuding a whitish latex from cuts.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for coastal Kenya, Mango trees thrive in full sun and fertile, well-drained sandy-loam soils, suitable for temperatures between 24-32°C. They serve as excellent shade trees or fruit producers, requiring ample space, typically 8x8m for standard varieties, due to their large spreading canopy and falling fruit.
Growing notes
Mango trees are fast-growing, reaching maturity in 2-4 years for first harvest and living over 50 years. Once established, they are drought-tolerant but require consistent moisture for young trees and bearing. Avoid over-irrigation and be aware that sap and fruit peel contain urushiol, which can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, roamingroots.blog, ufl.edu, worldagroforestry.org, bwagabeifarms.com, kilimokwanza.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.