Mango: Taxonomy
The mango, Mangifera indica L., is the most economically important fruit crop in the Anacardiaceae (cashew or poison ivy family).
Other important members of this family include cashew, pistachio and the mombins (spondias spp.).
The family contains 73 genera and about 600 to 700 species, distinguished by the bark and caustic oils in leaves, bark and fruits.
Several species, including mango, can cause some form of dermatitis in humans.
It is therefore ironic that two of the most delectable nuts and one of the world’s major fruit crops come from this family.
Mangifera contains about 30 species, although some authors put the numbers as high as 69.
Up to 15 other species produce edible fruit, including the water mango, M. laurina and M. sylvatica, the wild, forest mango from which M. indica is thought to have descended.
Mango: Taxonomy
Popular Posts
-
History and Origin of Mango The mango has been known in India since very early times. It is referred to in Sanskrit literature as Amra and h... -
This tropical fruit is high in vitamin C. Mango fruits contain 10-20 percent sugar and are important source of vitamin A. They have a rich,... -
Uses of Mango and Nutritional Composition Mango is commonly eaten fresh and depending upon the cultivar may be consumed at an immature (unri... -
The mango is believed to have been discovered as long as five to six thousand years in eastern India, Thailand, Myanmar, the Andaman Islands... -
Pollination is major yield-limiting constraint, due to the large number of flowers on trees and low fruit set. Most mango cultivars are se...
