Mango

Mangifera indica

A large evergreen tropical tree native to South Asia, widely grown across Kenya's coastal, eastern, and Rift Valley regions. Produces a fleshy drupe prized fresh and for processing.

Family: Anacardiaceae
Tree type: fruit
Mature height (m): 10-20
Growth rate: medium
Lifespan (years): 40-100
Native region: South Asia (India-Myanmar)

Environment

Growing Conditions

Climate requirements: Warm tropical/subtropical conditions with a distinct dry season to trigger flowering; 21-27C, 500-1200mm rainfall, altitude 0-1200m; frost-sensitive.
Soil types: Deep, well-drained loamy soils, pH 5.5-7.5; tolerates poorer soils but not waterlogging.
Water requirements: Moderate; fairly drought-tolerant once established but needs reliable moisture at flowering and fruit set.

Cultivation

Planting & Care

Planting guide: Space 8-12m apart; propagate by grafting for early, true-to-type bearing; plant at the onset of rains.
Care guide: Prune to keep an open canopy after harvest; fertilize with NPK and manure; watch for fruit fly, anthracnose, and powdery mildew.

Phenology

Flowering & Fruiting

Flowering season: Dry season, timing varies by region (often Jul-Sep)
Fruiting season: Oct-Mar depending on region

Value

Uses & Economic Importance

Uses: Fresh consumption, juice and pulp processing, some export; wood used locally for timber/fuel.
Economic importance: A leading Kenyan fruit crop (Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, Embu), mostly smallholder-grown; important for domestic consumption and juice processing, with export limited by fruit fly/phytosanitary constraints.

Trade

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