The spelling of the word mango tree can be explained with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈmæŋɡoʊ triː/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound /æ/ followed by the sound of "ng" /ŋ/. The second syllable has the long "o" sound /oʊ/ and the final syllable ends with the sound of "ee" /triː/. Making use of the IPA, one can easily and accurately understand the pronunciation of mango tree.
A mango tree is a tropical fruit-bearing tree belonging to the genus Mangifera, most commonly known as Mangifera indica. Native to the Indian subcontinent, mango trees are now widely cultivated across various tropical regions for their delicious fruit. They are known for their tall, evergreen structure, with an average height ranging from 30 to 100 feet, although some exceptional specimens can reach up to 131 feet. The trunk is sturdy and can grow up to 4 feet in diameter, providing stability to the tree. The tree's crown is characterized by a dense canopy of large, dark green leaves that provide ample shade.
Mango trees are deciduous, shedding their leaves during the winter or dry seasons. Once the tree reaches maturity, it typically produces fragrant, showy clusters of small pinkish-white or yellow flowers. These flowers give way to the mango fruit, which varies in size, shape, and color depending on the specific cultivar. Mangoes are highly prized for their sweet, juicy flesh, which can be consumed fresh or used in various culinary preparations such as desserts, smoothies, or sauces.
Mango trees are valued not only for their fruit but also for their wood, which is often used in construction and furniture making. Additionally, the tree provides shelter and habitat for many animal species, making it an ecologically valuable plant. Due to their desirable fruit and ornamental qualities, mango trees are commonly grown in home gardens, plantations, and orchards, contributing to the economic and aesthetic value of tropical landscapes.
The word "mango" originated from the Malayalam language, spoken in the southwestern region of India. In Malayalam, the word for mango is "māṅṅa" or "māṅṅay", which was then borrowed into English as "mango". The term "tree" originates from the Old English word "trēow", which means a woody perennial plant typically having a single stem or trunk, which leads to the compound term "mango tree".