Bailey's Marvel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangifera 'Bailey's Marvel' |
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Bailey's Marvel mangoes at the Redland Summer Fruit Festival, Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead, Florida
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| Genus | Mangifera |
| Species | Mangifera indica |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Haden' × 'Bombay' |
| Cultivar | 'Bailey's Marvel' |
| Origin | Florida, USA |
The Bailey's Marvel' mango is a special type of mango that was first grown in southwest Florida. It's known as a "mid-season" mango because it ripens in the middle of the mango growing season.
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How Bailey's Marvel Mangoes Began
The very first 'Bailey's Marvel' mango tree started growing on Pine Island, Florida. This happened in the 1940s. It grew from a seed of a 'Haden' mango. The seed was planted on land owned by the Bailey brothers.
Family Tree of the Mango
In 2005, scientists studied the mango's "family tree." They believe 'Bailey's Marvel' is a mix of the 'Haden' mango and the 'Bombay' mango. Even though it didn't become a huge commercial crop, many people loved growing it in their own yards. This is why it's called a popular "dooryard" variety.
Where These Mango Trees Grow Today
You can find 'Bailey's Marvel' trees in special collections. These collections help to save different types of plants. For example, trees are planted at the USDA germplasm center in Miami, Florida. They are also at the University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida. Another place is the Miami-Dade Fruit and Spice Park. The original tree on Pine Island is still alive and growing today!
What Makes This Mango Special
The 'Bailey's Marvel' mango fruit looks a lot like its parent, the 'Haden' mango. It also tastes similar. The fruit has flesh that is smooth and doesn't have much fiber. Each mango usually weighs about one pound. Inside, it has a single seed, which means it's a monoembryonic type of mango.
When to Find Bailey's Marvel Mangoes
In Florida, these mangoes are ready to eat from July to mid-August. This makes them a "mid-season" mango.
About the Tree Itself
The trees grow at a medium speed. They are also known for being a bit more resistant to cold weather than some other mango types. This makes them a good choice for certain areas.
