“Thai variety in the mango row with Karen Michelle and Super Alfonso.”
Background
A Thai cultivar, a hybrid of Sunset and Nang Klanwan developed in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Grown widely in Thailand and Australia (where it has been top-worked onto Kensington Pride trees). Also called 'Banana Mango' in Bangladesh for its curved banana-like shape. The UA arboretum traces mango cultivation to India, referenced in Hindu writings going back thousands of years; it is now grown in more than 87 countries.
Distinguishing traits
Very elongated, curved fruit (250-370 g) ripening yellowish-orange with pink blush; fiberless, intensely sweet flesh with excellent flavor and a long thin stone, so a high flesh-to-stone ratio. Vigorous, heavy producer with good disease resistance. Season July-October. The UA arboretum describes mango as a tall tree with new leaves flushing tan-brown before maturing dark green, and showy late-winter to early-spring flower panicles.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Not a limiting factor; cool dry period triggers bloom.
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to about 25-32°F per Florida nursery listings; USDA zones 9-11. Queen Creek is at the cool edge; protect from hard freezes. The UA arboretum flags mango as frost sensitive and notes it does not grow outdoors in the Sonoran Desert except in controlled environments.
- Heat tolerance
- Good tropical heat tolerance; afternoon shade for young trees in extreme desert heat.
- Water
- Regular watering, especially during growing season; prefers consistent moisture with good drainage. The UA arboretum rates water use as high.
- Soil
- Well-drained sandy loam; slightly acidic pH preferred. Avoid caliche and waterlogging.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun; young transplants benefit from temporary afternoon shade.
Where to buy
- Everglades Farm
- Utopia Trees