Palmer (mango) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangifera 'Palmer' |
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Display of 'Palmer' fruit at the Redland Summer Fruit Festival, Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead, Florida
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| Genus | Mangifera |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Haden' × unknown |
| Cultivar | 'Palmer' |
| Origin | Florida, USA |
The Palmer mango is a type of large, sweet mango that ripens later in the year. It first grew in south Florida, USA. This mango is popular for its delicious taste and beautiful colors.
The Story of the Palmer Mango
The very first Palmer mango tree started from a seed planted around 1925. It grew on the property of Mrs. Victor Mell in Miami, Florida. For many years, no one knew exactly which mango trees were its parents. However, scientists later figured out that it was likely a seedling of another famous mango called 'Haden'.
The 'Palmer' mango was first grown on purpose in 1945. It was officially given its name in 1949. This mango quickly became popular in Florida. Today, you can still find it growing there. It is also grown in other parts of the world, like Africa and Australia.
Scientists keep Palmer mango trees in special collections. These collections help protect different types of plants. You can find Palmer trees at the USDA germplasm repository in Miami. They are also at the University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center. And you can see them at the Miami–Dade Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, Florida.
What Makes the Palmer Mango Special?
The fruit of the Palmer mango is quite big. Some can even weigh several pounds! When it's ready to eat, its skin is usually yellow with a pretty red blush. Interestingly, the fruit turns purple long before it is fully ripe. This can sometimes trick people into picking them too early!
Inside, the mango has bright orange-yellow flesh. It has a mild and pleasant smell and taste. You will find very little stringy fiber in this mango. It also has a monoembryonic seed, which means each seed usually grows only one plant. The Palmer mango ripens in Florida from July to early September. This makes it a great choice for a late-season fruit.
The trees themselves grow at a medium speed. They have canopies that grow straight up, reaching towards the sky.
