Mango tree Irwin - Mangifera indica

Mangifera indica 'Irwin' is a variety of Mango tree selected in Florida for its fibreless mangoes with a vibrant red hue when ripe. This mango is also prized for its disease resistance. 'Irwin’ produces medium to large, sweet, juicy, and fragrant fruits. In our climates, it rarely bears fruit. Grow it in a pot in a greenhouse or conservatory for its exotic charm. It thrives in a rich, well-drained substrate and a tropical atmosphere.

The Mangifera genus includes numerous species of mango trees, primarily native to southern Asia, particularly India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Mangifera indica is the most widely cultivated species, valued for its delicious and nutritious fruits. In the wild, these trees grow in tropical and subtropical forests, preferring warm climates with a well-defined dry season. Mangifera indica 'Irwin' belongs to the botanical family Anacardiaceae. This cultivar results from a cross-breeding between the 'Lippens' and 'Haden' varieties, selected by F.D. Irwin in Miami, Florida, in the 1940s. It is a moderately sized tree, typically reaching a height of 3 to 4 metres when planted in the ground. This variety adapts well to container cultivation, where it will remain smaller.

The 'Irwin' mango tree has a compact and dense habit, with a rounded and spreading crown. Its foliage is evergreen in winter, composed of single, elongated leaves, about 15 to 20 cm in length, dark green with a smooth texture. Young leaves may display a reddish tint before turning green as they mature. It is a monoecious plant, producing both male and hermaphrodite flowers. These can be pollinated by wind or bees, though the tree is often self-fertile. Flowering is rare in our temperate climates, occurring in early spring, with terminal panicles of small yellowish to white, fragrant flowers, grouped in clusters. The oval to oblong 'Irwin' fruits measure between 8 and 12 cm in length and feature smooth skin that turns a vibrant red when ripe. The flesh is yellow, juicy, fibreless, with a sweet flavour and a pronounced floral aroma.

To successfully cultivate the 'Irwin' mango tree, it is essential to provide it with full sun, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The tree prefers moderate relative humidity, around 50 to 60%, and ideal temperatures between 24 and 32°C. It cannot tolerate frost and suffers if temperatures remain below 5°C for several days. Outside certain favoured regions of southern Europe, container cultivation is essential to allow the tree to be brought indoors or into a greenhouse during cold periods. The soil should be well-drained, fertile, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry spells, while avoiding excess water that could lead to root rot. In Japan, the 'Irwin' mango tree is grown under highly controlled conditions, and the fruits are marketed as "Miyazaki" or "Egg of the Sun". These mangoes are renowned for their beauty and exceptional quality, fetching very high prices on the market.

To grow an 'Irwin' mango tree at home, plant it in a pot sheltered from the cold, ideally in a conservatory or temperate greenhouse, or even indoors. It makes a beautiful houseplant, thanks to the striking pink-bronze of its new leaves, which turn dark red before greening. In summer, the temperatures of our interiors suit it perfectly, and in winter, a very bright room at 15°C satisfies it. In summer, you can move it to the garden, in partial shade, in a well-sheltered spot.