Mangos belong to the genus Mangifera of the family Anacardiaceae.
The genus Mangifera contains several species
that bear edible fruit. Most of the fruit trees that are commonly
known as mangos belong to the species Mangifera
indica. The other edible Mangifera species generally have
lower quality fruit and are commonly referred to as wild
mangos.
Mango has become naturalized and adapted throughout
the tropics and subtropics. Much of the spread and naturalization
has occurred in conjunction with the spread of
human populations, and as such, the mango plays an important
part in the diet and cuisine of many diverse cultures.
There are over 1000 named mango varieties throughout the
world, which is a testament to their value to humankind.
Mango is a common garden tree throughout the tropics.
When ripe, this delicious dessert fruit is particularly high
in vitamin A. The fruit is also eaten green, processed into
pickles, pulps, jams, and chutneys, and is frozen or dried.
The fruit is also an important source of sustenance for birds,
bats, insects, and mammals.