Mangobaum (Mangifera indica) im Masoala Regenwald des Zoo Zürich

Mango tree

Mangifera indica

Mangoes have been cultivated in India for 4,000 years.

There are now over 300 varieties, which are cultivated in all tropical regions of the world, including the villages of the Masoala Peninsula. The species is native to South Asia. The drupes are up to ten centimetres wide and 25 centimetres long. Their colours range from yellow-green and yellow to reddish. The juicy, golden-yellow flesh, which is interspersed with fibres, is rich in vitamins A and C.

Mangoes are used in a wide variety of ways, both as a drink and in numerous sweet, savoury or sour dishes. The hard shells of the stones can be used as fuel. Flour is made from the stones, or they are fed to livestock.

The largest Mango tree grows in Chandigarh (India). It is over 30 metres tall and has a trunk circumference of nine metres. The side branches, some of which rest on the ground, are up to 20 metres long and have a circumference of up to 3.6 metres! 

Distribution

originally from north-eastern India and northern Burma; now has a distribution throughout the world’s tropical and subtropical regions

Number of related species

300 species

Use

drinks, various foods (salad, jam, sauces), animal feed, flour, and the medicinal and religious uses of the leaves

Habitat at the zoo:

Masoala Rainforest
Distribution

originally from north-eastern India and northern Burma; now has a distribution throughout the world’s tropical and subtropical regions

Number of related species

300 species

Use

drinks, various foods (salad, jam, sauces), animal feed, flour, and the medicinal and religious uses of the leaves

Habitat at the zoo:

Masoala Rainforest

Godparent

Support the plants of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Mango tree for CHF 500.–

Become a godparent

Godparent

Support the plants of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Mango tree for CHF 500.–

Become a godparent
Back to overview