The mango tree is a large, evergreen tropical tree. The foliage starts out red but matures to a glossy dark green as it matures. The fruit is a drupe and at maturity will be red, orange or yellow in color. (my photo shows immature mango fruit)
When ripe a mango is 15% sugar and up to 1% protein & contains vitamins A, B, & C.
The mango is the same family as poison ivy (but contains much less toxic oil) and some people can have an allergic reaction after handling it. Often an allergic person can eat mango if someone else peels it for them. The foliage from the tree can also be toxic to cattle.
Mango trees grow in frost free climates and do best in the sun. There are over 1000 varieties available but the current world favorite is a cultivar called 'Tommy Atkins' which was introduced from Southern Florida in the 1940's.
