The mango 🥭 tree

The mango tree, scientifically known as Mangifera indica, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to India, but is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world for its delicious fruit. Mangoes have been prized for their flavor, fragrance, and medicinal properties for thousands of years. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the life cycle of a mango tree, from its seeds to its fruit.

Seed Germination

The mango tree starts its life cycle with the germination of the seed. Mango seeds are typically oblong or kidney-shaped, and about the size of a large lima bean. They are enclosed in a hard, fibrous shell that must be removed before planting. Mango trees can be grown from seed, although it can take several years before they start bearing fruit. Commercial mango growers generally propagate their trees via grafting or layering, which are faster and more reliable methods of producing consistent fruit.

To germinate a mango seed, it must first be soaked in water for about 24 hours to soften the seed coat. Then, the seed can be planted in a pot of well-draining soil, with the pointed end facing down and the flat end facing up. The seed should be planted about an inch deep, and then covered with soil. Mango seeds need warm, moist conditions to germinate, so the pot should be kept in a warm, sunny spot and watered regularly.

After a few days, the seed coat will split open and a sprout will emerge. This sprout is called the radicle, and it is the first part of the mango tree to appear. The radicle will grow downward into the soil, anchoring the seedling in place and beginning to absorb nutrients from the soil.

Seedling Growth

As the mango seedling continues to grow, it will produce a stem with a few leaves. The stem will continue to elongate, and new leaves will appear periodically as the plant grows taller. Mango trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the winter, but in warm climates, the tree may retain some leaves year-round.

The young mango tree will require regular watering and fertilizer to support its growth. It is also important to protect the plant from pests and diseases, which can be especially damaging to young trees. Mango trees are susceptible to many pests and diseases, including fruit flies, aphids, mealybugs, and anthracnose. Farmers must take care to monitor their trees and take appropriate measures to prevent infestations and infections.

Flower Development

Mango trees generally start producing flowers after three to five years of growth, although this can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions. Mango flowers are small and white or pale yellow, and they typically bloom in clusters at the ends of the branches.

Mango flowers are bisexual, meaning they contain both male and female reproductive organs. The male reproductive organs are called stamens, and they produce pollen. The female reproductive organ is called the pistil, and it contains the ovary, where the fruit develops. Mango flowers are pollinated by insects, particularly bees and beetles.

Fruit Development

After the flower is pollinated, the fruit begins to develop. The mango fruit is a drupe, meaning it has a single seed surrounded by a fleshy fruit. The fruit starts out green, and as it matures, it changes color to yellow, orange, or red, depending on the variety.

Mango fruits can vary in size and shape, but they are generally oval or oblong, with a pointed end opposite the stem. The skin is thin and smooth, and the flesh is juicy and sweet, with a large, flat, oblong seed in the center.

The time it takes for a mango fruit to mature and ripen varies depending on the variety and growing conditions. It can take anywhere from three to six months from flower to fruit, and mangoes generally ripen in the summer months.

Harvesting

Mango fruits must be harvested at the right time to ensure that they are of good quality. Mangoes that are picked too early will be hard and sour, while mangoes that are left on the tree too long will become overripe and mushy. The optimal time to harvest mangoes depends on the variety, but generally, they are ready to pick when the skin is fully colored and the fruit gives slightly when pressed gently.

Mangoes are generally harvested by hand, using long poles with a net or basket on the end to catch the fruit. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the fruit or the tree while harvesting. Mangoes are highly perishable, and must be handled carefully to prevent bruising or other damage that can cause the fruit to spoil.

Conclusion

The mango tree is a remarkable plant, with a complex life cycle that produces one of the most delicious and nutritious fruits in the world. From its humble beginnings as a tiny seed, the mango tree grows into a magnificent tree that can live for decades and produce hundreds of fruits each year. The process of growing and harvesting mangoes is a testament to the skill and dedication of farmers around the world, who work tirelessly to bring these delicious fruits to our tables.