Fairchild (mango) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangifera 'Fairchild' |
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| Genus | Mangifera |
| Species | Mangifera indica |
| Cultivar | 'Fairchild' |
| Breeder | David Fairchild |
| Origin | Panama |
The Fairchild mango is a special type of mango. It first came from a country called Panama. People grow it to sell because it tastes great! There's also a similar mango called the Fairchild Emerald' mango. This one started growing in southwest Florida.
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Discovering the Fairchild Mango
The Fairchild mango began its journey in the Panama Canal Zone. This was in the early 1900s. It was named after the family of Dr. David Fairchild. He was a scientist who really liked this mango.
Dr. Fairchild first brought the mango to the United States. It arrived in Hawaii in 1926. Then, in 1936, he introduced it to Florida. The mango became popular in Hawaii. However, the trees in Florida were lost over time.
In 1992, Dr. Carl Campbell brought the Fairchild mango back to Florida. He brought it from Honduras. It was planted at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Florida.
Where Did It Come From?
The Fairchild mango seems to have come from the Indo-Chinese region. But it has a special kind of seed. This seed is called a monoembryonic seed. This is unusual for mangoes from that area. This suggests the Fairchild mango might be a mix. It could be a hybrid of Indo-Chinese and Indian mango types.
What Makes Fairchild Mangoes Special?
Fairchild mangoes are grown in Hawaii and Panama. They are also grown a little in Florida. These mangoes might not have a bright red color. Some other popular mangoes, like the Tommy Atkins, do. But the Fairchild mango has many great qualities.
It has a wonderful flavor. The trees produce a lot of fruit. They are also very good at resisting diseases. These qualities make it a great mango for growing and selling.
Today, you can find Fairchild mango trees in special collections. These include the USDA's germplasm repository in Miami. You can also see them at the Miami-Dade Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, Florida.
The Fruit
The Fairchild mango fruit is usually small. It weighs less than a pound. It has an oval shape. When it ripens, it turns from green to yellow. It does not have any red color on its skin.
The inside of the mango is dark yellow and very juicy. It has no stringy fibers. It tastes rich and smells wonderful. Inside, it has a single seed. In Florida, these mangoes usually ripen in June or July.
The Tree
The Fairchild mango tree grows strongly. But it can be kept small, under 8 feet tall. This makes it a "condo mango." This means it's a good choice for smaller gardens or even large pots.
Fairchild Emerald Mango
The Fairchild Emerald mango was chosen in Pine Island, Florida. It was picked because it tastes great and the trees produce a lot of fruit. In 2010, it was a special mango at the mango festival. This festival was held at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
This fruit is emerald-green when it's ripe. Sometimes, it gets a little red blush if it's in the sun. It also weighs less than a pound. The inside of the fruit is orange. It has no fibers and a very rich flavor.
