Cushman (mango) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangifera 'Cushman' |
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Display of 'Cushman' mango at the Redland Summer Fruit Festival, Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead, Florida
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| Genus | Mangifera |
| Species | Mangifera indica |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Haden' × 'Amini' |
| Cultivar | 'Cushman' |
| Origin | Florida, USA |
The Cushman mango is a special type of mango that first grew in south Florida. It's a 'cultivar', which means it's a specific kind of plant grown for its unique features. While you won't often find Cushman mangoes in big stores, many people love growing them in their own yards.
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Discovering the Cushman Mango
The very first Cushman mango tree started from a seed planted in 1936. This happened in Miami, Florida, on the land of E. L. Cushman. For many years, no one knew which mangoes were its parents.
Family Tree of the Cushman Mango
In 2005, scientists did a special study. They found that the Cushman mango was likely a mix of two other mango types. These were the Haden and Amini mangoes. People quickly realized the Cushman mango tasted amazing.
Why It's Not in Stores
Even though it tasted great, the Cushman mango trees didn't grow many fruits. This made them not very good for big farms that sell mangoes. Because of its large size and yellow color, the Cushman mango was sometimes called the 'Big Yellow'.
Where to Find Cushman Trees
You can find Cushman mango trees in special plant collections. These include the USDA's plant collection in Miami, Florida. There are also trees at the University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center. This center is in Homestead, Florida. You can also see them at the Miami-Dade Fruit and Spice Park, also in Homestead.
What Does a Cushman Mango Look Like?
The Cushman mango is round and turns bright yellow when it's ripe. It often looks more like a grapefruit than a typical mango. Inside, the fruit has pale yellow flesh. It's completely smooth, with no stringy bits.
Taste and Size
This mango has a sweet, rich flavor and a wonderful smell. Each fruit usually weighs more than a pound. Some can even grow to be up to 2 pounds! Inside, it has one large seed.
A Special "Halo"
When you slice open a Cushman mango, you might see something cool. The flesh closest to the skin often has a visible orange "halo" around it. In Florida, these mangoes are ready to eat from July to August.
The Mango Tree Itself
Cushman mango trees grow strongly and spread out wide. Their branches create a medium-thick canopy, providing good shade.
