Mango, Bowen Mango

Mangifera indica

Physical Characteristics

Mangifera indica is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Bats, Flies, Ants. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - Indian subcontinent, Myanmar.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Drink Tea Fruit - raw or cooked. One of the most popular fruits in the world, it is commonly eaten raw, is juiced and can also be prepared in a variety of ways such as in chutneys, jams, pickles etc[200 , 301 ]. The dried, unripe fruit is ground into a powder and used as a flavouring in Indian cuisine[301 ]. They are an ingredient of the spice mixture chat masala[301 ]. A variable fruit, ranging in colour from green through orange and yellow to red, it can be anything from 50g to 1.5kg in weight[296 ]. The fruit is usually 8 - 12cm long, but can be up to 30cm[303 ]. The fruit contains about 15% sugars, 0.5% protein and significant amounts of vitamins A, B and C[200 ]. The seeds are used in the preparation of dodol, or pudding[301 ]. A starch and an edible fat can be obtained from them[301 ]. The kernels are important as a famine food in India, but the astringency has to be removed by boiling, roasting and soaking them for a long time[303 ]. Flowers[301 ]. Young leaves[301 ]. Cooked as a vegetable[303 ].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antiasthmatic Antidiarrhoeal Antihaemorrhoidal Antirheumatic Antiscorbutic Antitussive Aphrodisiac Astringent Diuretic Dysentery Hypotensive Mouthwash Odontalgic Skin Stimulant Stings Styptic Vitamin C The leaves are astringent and odontalgic[348 ]. An infusion is drunk to reduce blood pressure and as a treatment for conditions such as angina, asthma, coughs and diabetes[272 , 307 , 348 ]. Externally, the leaves are used in a convalescent bath[348 ]. A mouthwash made from the leaves is effective in hardening the gums and helping to treat dental problems[272 , 307 , 348 ]. The leaves are used to treat skin irritations[272 , 307 ]. The charred and pulverized leaves are used to make a plaster for removing warts and also act as a styptic[303 ]. The seed is astringent, antidiarrhoeal; anthelmintic when roasted[348 ]. It is used to treat stubborn colds and coughs, obstinate diarrhoea and bleeding piles[303 ]. The pulverised seed is made into a sweetened tea and drunk, or taken as powders, for treating dysentery[348 ]. The seeds are ground up and used to treat scorpion stings[307 ]. The bark is astringent, homeostatic and antirheumatic[303 ]. Used in the treatment of haemorrhage, diarrhoea and throat problems[307 , 348 ]. When incised, the bark yields an oleoresin which is stimulant, sudorific and antisyphilitic[348 ]. The stem is astringent. It is used to treat diarrhoea and to remedy stomach-ache[348 ]. The roots are diuretic[272 ]. The flowers are aphrodisiac[307 ]. The fruit is antiscorbutic and antidysenteric[348 ].

Known Hazards

In sensitive individuals, ingestion of the fruit or skin contact with the juice may cause a rash like that of poison ivy[303 ]. (Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested)