Glenn (mango) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangifera 'Glenn' |
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| Genus | Mangifera |
| Species | Mangifera indica |
| Cultivar | 'Glenn' |
| Origin | Grown from a Saigon mango seed planted in Miami, Florida, in 1940. |
The 'Glenn' mango' is a special type of mango that first grew in South Florida. It's known for its sweet taste and easy-to-manage tree size.
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The Story of the 'Glenn' Mango
The 'Glenn' mango started from a seed of a Saigon mango. This seed was planted in Miami, Florida in 1940. In 1943, the young tree was moved to the land of a person named Roscoe E. Glenn.
The tree first grew fruit in 1945. People quickly saw that these mangoes were very good! Even though it was a great mango, it didn't become super popular right away. Some thought it didn't store well for selling in stores.
However, over many years, people realized how special the 'Glenn' mango truly was. Besides its delicious fruit, the tree itself is easy to care for. It stays a good size, which makes it simpler to trim and pick the mangoes. It also fights off diseases pretty well and usually gives a lot of fruit each year.
Who Are the Parents of the 'Glenn' Mango?
Scientists have studied the 'Glenn' mango's family tree. At first, many thought it came from a Haden mango. But later, some studies disagreed. Then, a study in 2005 said that 'Haden' was most likely its parent after all!
Even though it was often said to be a 'Haden' seedling, Roscoe Glenn himself later said it came from a 'Saigon' mango seed. But the color, flavor, and a special seed type (called monoembryonic) suggest it might be a 'Haden' seedling.
Where Can You Find 'Glenn' Mango Trees?
You can find 'Glenn' mango trees in important plant collections. These include the USDA germplasm center in Miami. There are also trees 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 keep different types of plants safe for the future.
What Does a 'Glenn' Mango Tree Look Like?
The 'Glenn' mango tree is quite small compared to other mango trees. It grows into a neat, rounded shape. While it can grow up to 30 feet tall, people often keep it much shorter by trimming it regularly. This makes it easier to pick the fruit!
These trees usually start growing fruit about 3 to 4 years after they are planted. After that, they produce a good amount of medium to large-sized mangoes every year.
What Does a 'Glenn' Mango Fruit Look Like?
The 'Glenn' mango fruit is shaped like an oval. It has a round bottom and a pointy top. Each mango usually weighs between 300 and 600 grams.
The skin is thin but strong. When the fruit is ripe, its skin turns a bright yellow color. If the mango gets a lot of sun, about a quarter to half of its skin will turn orange or red. If it grows in the shade, it stays completely yellow.
The inside of the mango is very special. It has a rich, sweet taste and no stringy fibers at all! It also has a lovely smell. The seed inside is a single seed (monoembryonic). In Florida, 'Glenn' mangoes are ready to eat from early June to early July.
