Abstract
Following over a decade of investigation into a number of Southeast Asian Mangifera species, some preliminary recommendations are possible for South Florida. Mangifera odorata, M. casturi, M. lalijiwa, M. laurina, and a putative M. odorata/M. foetida hybrid have been grafted successfully on 'Turpentine' rootstock. Resulting trees have been grown in the field at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for a decade. All of these species have bloomed and fruited with reasonable reliability over this time. In addition, many of the Mangifera species have shown potential as ornamentals due to their profuse, showy bloom panicles. These species have withstood temperatures as low as 29 F for more than 5 hours with only minimal damage. Additional investigation is necessary, but Mangifera species also have shown a high degree of anthracnose tolerance under Florida conditions. The fruit of each species is unique in terms of color, appearance, and eating quality, and all have potential as fresh fruit given proper selection of clones with superior fruit quality.
