84 MANUAL OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS 



however, there is only one pollen-bearing stamen in each flower. 

 The perfect blossoms are easily distinguished from the staminate 

 by the presence in the former of the small greenish yellow ovary 

 surmounting the white disk in the center. 



The fruit varies greatly in size and character. The smallest 

 kinds are no larger than good-sized plums, while the largest 

 are 4 or 5 pounds in weight. The form is oval, heart- 

 shaped, kidney-shaped, round, or long and slender. The skin 

 is smooth, thicker than that of a peach, commonly yellow on 

 the surface but varying greatly in color. Some varieties are 

 delicately colored, deep yellow or apricot with a crimson blush 

 on one cheek; others are an unattractive green even when 

 ripe. The color depends to a certain extent on the climate in 

 which the fruit is grown. The aroma is often spicy and alluring, 

 indicative of the flavor of the fruit. The flesh is yellow or 

 orange in color, juicy, often fibrous in seedlings and inferior 

 budded varieties, but in the best sorts entirely free from fiber 

 and of smooth melting texture. The seed is large and flattened, 

 its tough, woody husk or outer covering inclosing a white 

 kernel. The flavor of the mango has been likened to a com- 

 bination of apricot and pineapple, yet it cannot be described 

 accurately by any such comparison. It is rich and luscious in 

 the best varieties, sweet, but with sufficient acidity and spiciness 

 to prevent its cloying the palate. 



HISTORY AND DISTRIBUTION 



Alphonse DeCandolle considered it probable that the mango 

 could be included among the fruits which have been cultivated 

 by man for 4000 years. Its prominence in Hindu mythology 

 and religious observance leaves no doubt as to its antiquity, 

 while its economic importance in ancient times is suggested 

 by one of the Sanskrit names, am, which has an alternative 

 meaning of provisions or victuals. 



