Spirit of '76 (mango) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangifera 'Spirit of '76' |
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|---|---|
| Genus | Mangifera |
| Species | Mangifera indica |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Haden' × 'Zill' |
| Cultivar | 'Spirit of '76' |
| Breeder | Laurence H. Zill |
| Origin | Florida, US |
The Spirit of '76' mango is a special type of mango. It first grew in sunny south Florida.
History of the 'Spirit of '76' Mango
A man named Laurence Zill grew the first 'Spirit of '76' mango tree. It was in Boynton Beach, Florida. This tree grew from a seed. It was a mix of two other mango types: 'Zill' and 'Haden'.
It got its name because its first fruits appeared in 1976. That year was America's 200th birthday celebration! Later, in 2005, scientists checked its family tree. They confirmed it was truly a mix of 'Haden' and 'Zill' mangoes.
This mango didn't become a big seller in stores. This was because its fruit was too soft. However, people still grow it for their homes. You can find these trees in plant nurseries. They are sold for people to plant in their yards in Florida.
You can also find 'Spirit of '76' mango trees in special plant collections. These include the USDA's plant bank in Miami, Florida. Another place is the Miami-Dade Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, Florida. These places help protect different kinds of plants.
What the 'Spirit of '76' Mango Looks Like
The fruit of the 'Spirit of '76' mango is shaped like an oval. It has a round bottom and a round top. Sometimes, it has a small point on the side. Each mango usually weighs about one pound when it's ready to eat.
The skin of the mango is yellow. It often has a pretty red blush. Inside, the fruit's flesh is bright yellow. It has no stringy fibers at all. The taste is rich and smells wonderful. Inside, there is one large seed.
These mangoes are ready to pick in Florida from June to July. The trees grow at a medium speed. They have branches that spread out wide.
