Duncan (mango) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangifera 'Duncan' |
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Duncan mangoes at the Redland Summer Fruit Festival, Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead, Florida
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| Genus | Mangifera |
| Species | Mangifera indica |
| Cultivar | 'Duncan' |
| Breeder | David Sturrock |
| Origin | Florida, USA |
The 'Duncan' mango' is a special type of mango that first grew in sunny south Florida. It's known for its delicious taste and how well it grows. This mango was even given a special patent, which means its creator had exclusive rights to grow and sell it for a time.
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The Story of the Duncan Mango
The very first 'Duncan' mango tree started from a seed planted in 1956. A person named David Sturrock, who lived in West Palm Beach, Florida, planted it. He thought it might have been a mix of two other mango types, 'Edward' and 'Pico'.
How the Duncan Mango Got Its Name
The tree first grew fruit in 1960. David Sturrock decided to name this new mango after Ralph V. Duncan. Mr. Duncan lived in Boynton Beach, Florida. He was a supervisor for flood control and had helped Sturrock with maps for a book he wrote.
Why the Duncan Mango Became Popular
Later, David Sturrock received a patent for the 'Duncan' mango. This patent protected his new mango variety. People quickly noticed how good the 'Duncan' mango tasted. It was also easy to handle and grew well. Because of these great qualities, it became a popular tree to grow in nurseries across Florida.
Where Duncan Mango Trees Grow Today
You can find 'Duncan' mango trees in important plant collections. These include the USDA's special plant storage in Miami, Florida. They also grow at the University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida. Another place is the Miami-Dade Fruit and Spice Park, also in Homestead. These places help protect and study different plant types.
What Makes the Duncan Mango Special?
The 'Duncan' mango fruit has an oblong, or oval, shape. When it is ready to eat, it turns a bright yellow color. Each mango usually weighs a little over one pound. Most of the mangoes on a 'Duncan' tree are about the same size and shape.
Inside the Duncan Mango
The inside of the 'Duncan' mango is orange. It has a sweet and mild flavor, and it doesn't have any stringy fibers. This mango has a monoembryonic seed, which means it has only one embryo. This is different from some other mangoes that have multiple embryos. In Florida, 'Duncan' mangoes are usually ready to pick in July.
About the Duncan Mango Tree
'Duncan' mango trees grow very strongly. They have thick, full canopies, which means they have lots of leaves and branches. Both the trees and their fruit are very good at resisting diseases. This makes them healthy and easy to grow.
