Fascell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mango 'Fascell' |
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Display of Fascell mangoes in the Redland Summer Fruit Festival, Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead, Florida
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| Genus | Mango |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Haden' and 'Brooks' |
| Cultivar | 'Fascell' |
| Breeder | Michael Fascell |
| Origin | Florida, USA |
The Fascell mango is a special type of Mango that was first grown in south Florida. It's a popular kind of mango sold in stores. This mango is known by its specific name, 'Fascell', because it's a unique variety.
How the Fascell Mango Started
The very first Fascell mango tree grew from a seed. It was planted by a person named Michael Fascell. This happened in Miami, Florida, way back in 1929.
Michael Fascell wanted to create a new mango. He hoped it would ripen between the harvest times of two other popular mangoes: the Haden and the Brooks. The Fascell mango tree first grew fruit in 1936.
Michael Fascell was a nurseryman, meaning he grew and sold plants. He was also an important member of the Florida Mango Forum. In 1941, he got a special legal protection for his mango. This is called a "plant patent" (number 451). This made the Fascell mango one of the first patented mango types in Florida.
Starting in 1942, the trees were sold in small numbers. Even though it didn't become a common tree for people to grow in their backyards, the Fascell mango is still grown today. Farmers in Florida grow it on a small scale to sell.
You can find a Fascell mango tree in a special collection. It's at the University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center. This center is located in Homestead, Florida.
What the Fascell Mango Looks Like
The Fascell mango fruit has an oval shape. It often looks a bit like a heart. When it's ready to eat, the fruit turns yellow. It also has a bright, beautiful red blush on its skin.
The inside of the mango is sweet. It has no stringy fibers, which makes it very pleasant to eat. Inside, it has one large seed. In Florida, these mangoes usually ripen and are ready to pick from June to July.
The Fascell mango trees themselves grow very strongly. They have wide branches that spread out.
