Quick facts
| Arabic name | المانجو |
|---|---|
| English name | Mango |
| Scientific name | Mangifera indica |
| Family | Cashew family (Anacardiaceae) |
| Plant type | Evergreen tropical fruit tree |
| Height | Usually 5 to 10 m in farms, with pruning |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to April
Harvest time
April to August
Depends on the variety; trees start bearing after 3 to 5 yearsJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A dense top with long shiny leaves; young leaves are reddish. Small flowers in clusters, and a fleshy fruit with a big stone.
Where it grows
Mostly grown in Jazan because of its hot, humid climate.
Soil
Deep soil with good drainage. No standing water.
Water and irrigation
Regular water for young trees and while fruits grow. Less water before flowering.
Climate and light
Hot and humid with full sun. No frost.
Propagation
Grafted on seedling roots to keep the variety.
Benefits and uses
- Fruit eaten fresh and juiced
- An important crop for Jazan farmers
- Shade in farms
Drawbacks
- Uses a lot of water
- Cannot handle cold and frost
- Pests like fruit flies attack it
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Mangifera indica
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Mangifera indica
- Wikipedia: Mango
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)