Mango Tree
Mangoes are known as the king of fruits. Many trees of mangoes are found in almost every part of the world. However, the mango trees are native to South Asia. From there, it has been distributed throughout the tropical regions worldwide. The mango tree belongs to the cashew family named ‘Anacardiaceae’. Almost 69 species of mangoes are found all over the world. Another name for the mango tree is Mangifera indica. The word ‘mango’ is basically derived from the Malayan word called ‘Maanga’ meaning fruits. This fruit is mostly consumed by people during summers. These mangoes are also recognized for their juicy pulp. Many varieties of mangoes are found in the Indian subcontinent such as Kesar, Chaunsa, Safeda, Langra, Sindoora, Dasehri, Neelam, Mulgoba, Himsagar, Alphonso, Himam Pasand, Totapuri.
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Existence of a Mango Tree
Pulpy Mangoes
Mango tree typically is an origin of southeastern India. It was first seen in California in the year 1880. There are two races of mango trees, found in India and the Philippines. The reason why it is considered the king of fruits in India as it is indigenous and used most popular amongst the people of India. Mango fruit is also known as the ‘national fruit’ in the Indian, Philipines, and Pakistan regions. Similarly, the mango tree is regarded as the national tree in Bangladesh.
Classification of the Mango Tree
Varieties of Mangoes
The mango tree belongs to the kingdom of Plantae. The division of this tree is Magnoliophyta and the class to which it belongs is Magnoliopsida. The sub-class of the mango tree is Rosidae. Whereas, the order and the family of the mango tree are Sapindales and Anacardiaceae. Finally, the mango tree is derived from the genus Mangifera.
Specifications of the Mango Tree
Growing a Mango Tree Near Your Backyard
- The mango tree is an evergreen plant.
- The size of a mango tree is 115-131 feet or 35-40 meters.
- It has a crown size of 20 meters or 66 feet in diameter.
- The flowering system of the mango tree is kind of unique. It consists of both pistils and stamens in some mangoes. While in the other species of mangoes, only pistils are included.
- Talking about the flowers, they are of glossy green color and are long layered on a pink rachis.
- The fruits of the mango tree vary depending upon the color, shape, and growth regions.
- Generally, most of the mango trees fruits are yellowish and are kidney-shaped. However, in some species, the fruits of the mango trees are of reddish or pinkish color.
- The mango tree is not only recognized for its pulpy fruit but also the wood of the tree can be used for various purposes.
- It is believed that mango trees have a huge lifespan of over 300 years.
- Mango trees’ leaves tend to change their color from pink to red in their early development process. While as the plant grows mature, these mango trees turn their leaves into dark green color.
- As stated above, the mango tree fruits are red to yellow to orange in color.
- The mango fruit takes enough time for ripening in summers.
- From flowering to the ripening of its fruits, the mango tree takes around four-five months.
Mango Tree Root System
Mango has a very well tap root system that can reach up to 20 feet in length or 6 meters. Taproots are roots that have a single thick, cylindrical main root, termed as the primary root, out of which secondary or tertiary roots emerge. The thin hair-like layer called the rootlets is located at the terminal of the tertiary root and is important for considerable water uptake from the soil. These roots are typically deep-rooted and challenging to uproot. The roots of Mangifera indica develop sideways and branch outside to receive water and mineral nutrients from the subsoil, in addition to entering deep into the soil as is defining feature of taproots. This type of root system offers excellent support for the tree’s higher branches and aids in the stabilization of tall plants. Mango tree roots are both wild producers and invasive. Roots aid in the storage of carbohydrates, which are essential for the plant’s development and growth. The taproot system may seem fibrous owing to its branching, however, these are taproots that develop sideways on the upper part of the root to collect water and mineral nutrients from the soil’s top surface, giving the impression of a fibrous root system.
Benefits of the Mango Tree
- Mango trees are grown worldwide in tropical areas and are recognized for providing juicy and pulpy mango fruits.
- The mango tree leaves are also very beneficial in many ways. They consist of tannins that help in treating diabetes.
- These leaves also aid in maintaining the levels of blood pressure and treating various kidney stones.
- The mango leaves are also rich in antioxidants.
- The mango fruit is very rich in iron that helps in the prevention of anemia.
- Talking about the bark of the mango tree, it is consumed by people suffering from diarrhea.
- The white tinted substance that comes out of the trunk when it is picked can be used to relieve the discomfort of a bee sting.
- Mango tree leaves are placed in the doorway during marriages in India as a positive sign to assure a wealth of future offspring as well as good fortune.
- The mango tree is known as sacred in Hindu mythology, and Hindus assume it is a ‘Home of Gods.’
- The mango tree has been referenced in poems by Indian poets such as Kalidas, Mirza Ghalib, and Cetra.
- Monks utilize mango leaves during sacred rituals because they are considered holy while praying.
- Many people ingest mango tree leaves in the form of tea produced from leaf infusion.
Planting a Mango Tree Near Your House
Mango Tree Outside Home
When you are thinking of planting a mango tree at or near your house, some factors should be kept in mind. You should plant the mango tree at a minimum distance of 25 feet away from your house. This is because the roots of the mango tree may need sufficient space to develop and grow. It is a little easy to maintain a mango tree and can be planted in smaller areas if the height is kept around 10-15 feet.
How To Maintain A Healthy Mango Tree Root System
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Check for the Good Soil
Prior to planting a mango tree in your backyard or garden, just check out the soil moisture. Improve your soil by adding some compost and cow manure. Keep the soil raised above the ground to grow the mango plant properly. You can do this by mixing the soil with the help of a fork and then you can loosen the soil. By doing this, you will get the perfectly raised space for your mango saplings to grow.
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Mulch
Mulch is necessary for a mango tree’s root system to sustain life. Mulch will maintain the soil moist for longer as it establishes, inhibit weeds, and provide a home for soil bacteria and insects. All you require is a 2-3 inch covering of sugar cane, pea hay, or tree mulch to do this. The worms will burrow through the dirt, forming microscopic air pockets that will permit the small mango tree roots to develop. All of this will take place beneath the ground, hidden from view, but sustained by the mulch layer.
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Fertilize
Adding fertilizer produced from natural materials will aid in the establishment of a strong root system on the mango tree. Before you even grow your mango tree, put a layer of powdered chicken manure on the soil surface, then repeat the process every month in the springtime. This is all that a mango tree requires each year to stay healthy. The chicken dung includes a variety of nutrients that will be dissolved by soil microbes and sent to the plant.
