Mangga

Mangifera indica L.

Who does not know about mangoes? We all know that mangoes have lots of varieties to choose from! Here in the Philippines, commonly known varieties are piko, kalabaw, and Indian mango which are economically important in our country.

Additionally, the oldest living mango tree can be found on East Khandesh in India, as it was said that mango originated from that country. The oldest living mango in India has an approximate age of 300 years!

Here in the country, mango trees are widely spread in different provinces but the most famous mango trees are found in the province of Guimaras. The province is known to have the sweetest variety of mango that one could ever taste!

Inside the PUP Main Campus, this tree species can be found near the guard post as well as near the Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center (NALLRC), Linear Park, and at the back of the pool and gymnasium area. The tree girth of the old mango trees in PUP are around 3 meters already. In addition, the one near the guard post is approximately 50 years of age according to some testimonials!

Distribution of Mangifera indica L. in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (Map created by J. Diongco)

Natural distribution of Mangifera indica L. in the Philippines (Map created by A. De Jesus and M.I. De Ramos.)

Botanical Description of Mangifera indica L.

Mangifera indica is a large evergreen tree growing to a height of 10-45 m and having a dome shaped dense foliage. Its name came from the Latin word fera meaning ‘bearing fruits’ and indica which pertains to India where this species came from. Its leaves are arranged in spiral on branches, elliptical, and pointed at both ends. The leaf releases an aromatic odor when crushed which can attract various insects like one species of large ants locally known as hantik. The inflorescence of this species occurs in panicles consisting of about 3,000 tiny whitish-red or yellowish-green flowers. In addition, this species is widely known in Asian countries because of its tropical nature as well as its huge and fleshy fruit which is botanically termed as drupe that shows great variation in shape and size.

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