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Mango tree – edible wild plant – how to find, identify, prepare, and other uses for survival.

Mango trees

Mango tree (Mangifera indica)

Mango fruitThe Mango tree may reach 34-40 meters (115-130 feet) in height with a crown radius of 10 meters (33 feet). It has alternate, simple, shiny, dark green leaves. When the leaves are young, they are orange-pink and change to dark, glossy red, then dark green as they mature.  Its white flowers are small and inconspicuous and have five petals each and a mild odor. Its fruits have a large single seed. There are many cultivated varieties of mango. Some have red flesh, others yellow or orange, often with many fibers and a kerosene taste. They carry a single flat, oblong pit that can be fibrous or hairy on the surface (and does not separate easily from the pulp).

Mango treesWhere to find the Mango tree

The Mango tree grows in warm, moist regions. It is native to northern India, Myanmar, and western Malaysia. It is now grown throughout the tropics. Some places where you might find mango trees in the wild include:

  • Forests: Mango trees can grow in forests, especially in areas with moist soil and a warm climate.
  • Riverbanks: Mango trees can grow along riverbanks, where the soil is fertile and there is plenty of water.
  • Hills and Mountains: Mango trees can grow in hilly and mountainous areas, especially in regions with a warm and humid climate.

It’s important to note that while mango trees can be found in the wild, they are also commonly cultivated and grown in orchards.

Edible parts of the Mango tree

Sweet fruits of the mango tree are a nutritious food source. The unripe fruit can be peeled, and its flesh eaten by shredding it and eating it like a salad. The ripe fruit can be peeled and eaten raw. Roasted seed kernels are edible.

Mango treeThe peel of the Mango tree can be eaten but can potentially cause dermatitis on the lips or tongue in some people.  Under-ripe mangos can be ripened by placing them in a brown paper bag.

Mangos contain vitamins A and C, vitamin B6, and other B vitamins and essential nutrients such as potassium, copper, and amino acids.  The peel contains beta-carotene, lutein, and other antioxidants.

Note: If you are sensitive to poison ivy, avoid eating mangoes, as they cause a severe reaction in sensitive individuals.

Other uses for the Mango tree plant

  • Wood: Mango wood is durable and resistant to termites, making it a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and construction.
  • Medicine: Various parts of the mango tree, including the bark, leaves, and fruit, have been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and respiratory problems.
  • Food: In addition to the fruit, other parts of the mango tree can be used for food. The leaves can be used to wrap food for cooking, and the seeds can be roasted and eaten.
  • Beauty products: Mango butter, made from the seed, is often used in cosmetics and skin care products due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties.
  • Fodder: The leaves and branches of the mango tree can be used as fodder for livestock.

Mango tree picture identification guide

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