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Mango

The mango is the edible fruit of the tropical tree *Mangifera indica* in the cashew family (Anacardiaceae).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The mango is the edible fruit of the tropical tree Mangifera indica in the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). It is a fleshy stone fruit widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, and is one of the most important fruit crops in the world, with origins in South Asia, especially the region that includes present-day India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Description

The mango is a fleshy tropical fruit with a hard central stone containing a single seed. Its skin may be green, yellow, red, or orange when ripe, and the flesh is typically yellow or orange.

Origin and history

The mango originated in South Asia, with sources identifying the northeastern Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions as its native area. It has been cultivated in India for over 4,000 years.

Cultivation

Mango trees grow in tropical and subtropical climates and are cultivated in many regions of the world. The plant is an evergreen tree in the cashew family.

Varieties and use

There are more than 1,000 mango varieties, though only a smaller number are widely sold in many markets. The fruit is eaten fresh and used in juices, desserts, and other food products.

Key facts

  • A mango is botanically a drupe, meaning a stone fruit with fleshy edible pulp and a single seed enclosed in a hard stone.
  • The mango tree is native to South Asia and has been cultivated in India for millennia.
  • Mangoes come in many varieties and can differ widely in size, shape, skin colour, and flavour.
  • The mango is among the most important and widely cultivated fruits in global agriculture.
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Canadian context

Mangoes are widely sold in Canada year-round, especially as imported fruit in grocery stores. Canadian nutrition resources also describe them as a source of vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mango?
A mango is the edible fruit of Mangifera indica, a tropical evergreen tree in the cashew family.
Where did mangoes originate?
Mangoes originated in South Asia, especially the area around present-day India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Is a mango a stone fruit?
Yes. Botanically, mangoes are drupes, or stone fruits, with a single seed inside a hard stone.
How long has mango been cultivated?
Mangoes have been cultivated in India for more than 4,000 years.
How many mango varieties are there?
Sources report that there are more than 1,000 mango varieties.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mango
    Supports: Basic definition of mango as the fruit of *Mangifera indica* and its South Asian origin.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/mango-plant-and-fruit
    Supports: Mango as *Mangifera indica*, an evergreen tree in Anacardiaceae, and a widely cultivated tropical fruit.
  3. INRAE ePhyTia — https://ephytia.inrae.fr/fr/C/26520/Tropifruit-Manguier
    Supports: Classification, cultivation history in India, and global importance.
  4. National Mango Board — https://www.mango.org/mango-facts/
    Supports: Botanical description of mango as a drupe/stone fruit.
  5. Ministère de l’Agriculture — https://agriculture.gouv.fr/la-mangue-doutre-mer-un-fruit-gorge-de-soleil
    Supports: Cultivation history, widespread consumption, and number of varieties.
  6. Half Your Plate — https://www.halfyourplate.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/food_info_sheets_fre_mangue.pdf
    Supports: Canadian nutrition facts and seasonal/import context for mangoes in Canada.