PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Mangifera indica
Mango
L.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A massive, long-lived, evergreen tropical tree with a dense, symmetrical, rounded canopy and a sturdy trunk. It features dark green, leathery, lanceolate leaves that release a distinct resinous aroma when crushed. The tree bears large, branched terminal panicles carrying thousands of tiny, fragrant flowers, developing into large, fleshy, egg-shaped drupes with a smooth, multi-colored skin, juicy golden pulp, and a single large, fibrous flattened pit.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Sapindales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Anacardiaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Mangifera
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.L.
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the tropical monsoon forests of South and Southeast Asia, primarily spanning India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It thrives in deep, well-drained alluvial or loamy soils and requires a distinct dry season to stimulate prolific flowering. It is highly resilient once established but vulnerable to severe frost, and is now naturalized and cultivated across all frost-free tropical and subtropical lowlands globally.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A long-lived climax canopy tree that plays a structural foundational role in tropical forest ecosystems. It features alternate vegetative flushing and intense alternate bearing cycles (biennial yielding), varying its resource allocation between leaf biomass expansion and massive fruit production across consecutive years to manage carbohydrate reserves.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1000.0 - 4000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Developed a massive, deep-penetrating taproot system that can extend up to 6 meters into the substrate, allowing the tree to access deep subterranean water tables during intense tropical dry seasons or prolonged droughts.
Exhibits an andromonoecious flowering strategy, bearing both male and hermaphrodite flowers within the same panicle, optimizing pollen allocation and conserving resources by only investing energy into fruit development on pollinated hermaphrodite blooms.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
High susceptibility to Anthracnose, a destructive fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides that leaves dark, sunken lesions on leaves, blooms, and fruits, causing severe blossom blight and post-harvest decay.
Threats from invasive agricultural pests, particularly the mango stone weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae) and fruit flies (Bactrocera spp.), whose larvae bore directly into the pulp and seed, rendering the fruit unmarketable.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The mango belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, making it a close botanical relative to cashews, pistachios, and even poison ivy. Because of this, its sap and fruit skin contain traces of urushiol, which can trigger minor skin rashes in highly sensitive individuals.
In India, the mango is revered as a sacred symbol of prosperity, love, and fertility. Its leaves are traditionally strung into decorative garlands (toranas) hung across doorways during prominent cultural and religious festivals.