Mango fruit is classed as a drupe (fleshy with a single
seed enclosed in a leathery endocarp). Fruits from different
varieties can be highly variable in shape, color, taste,
and flesh texture. Fruit shapes vary from round to ovate to
oblong and long with variable lateral compression. Fruits
can weigh from less than 50 g (0.35 lb) to over 2 kg (4.4
lb).The fruit has a dark green background color when developing
on the tree that turns lighter green to yellow as
it ripens. Some varieties develop a red background color at
fruit set that remains until the fruits ripen. In addition to
the background color, many varieties also have an orange,
red, or burgundy blush that develops later in the fruit development,when
the rind is exposed to direct sunlight.The
mesocarp is the fleshy, edible part of the fruit that usually
has a sweet and slightly turpentine flavor. When ripe, its
color varies from yellow to orange and its texture from
smooth to fibrous.
Mangos are long-lived evergreen trees that can reach
heights of 15–30 m (50–100 ft). Most cultivated mango
trees are between 3 and 10 m (10–33 ft) tall when fully mature,
depending on the variety and the amount of pruning.
Wild, non-cultivated seedling trees often reach 15 m (50 ft)
when found in favorable climates, and they can reach 30 m
(100 ft) in forest situations. The trees can live for over 100
years and develop trunk girths of over 4 m (13 ft).