Description
The Thai B-5 mango plant is a specific variety of mango known for its exceptional fruit quality. Here’s a detailed description:
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Growth Habit: The Thai B-5 mango plant is a medium to large-sized tree with a dense, rounded canopy. It typically grows to a height of 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters), although it can be pruned to maintain a more manageable size. The tree has a vigorous growth habit, with strong branches that can support a heavy fruit load.
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Leaves: The leaves of the Thai B-5 mango plant are long, narrow, and lanceolate, typically measuring between 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in length. They are glossy and dark green when mature, with new growth emerging in shades of reddish-brown or bronze.
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Flowers: The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that are yellowish-white in color. These flowers are borne on large, branching panicles that can be up to 16 inches (40 cm) long. The flowering season typically occurs in the late winter to early spring.
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Fruits: The Thai B-5 mango is prized for its large, oval-shaped fruits that can weigh between 1-2 pounds (450-900 grams) each. The skin of the fruit is thin and smooth, with a bright yellow to orange color when ripe, often with a slight blush of red. The flesh is deep yellow, fiberless, and exceptionally sweet, with a rich, aromatic flavor. The seed is relatively small, allowing for a high flesh-to-seed ratio.
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Harvesting: The fruit matures in the mid to late summer, depending on the climate. It is typically harvested when fully ripe, as this variety is known to develop its best flavor on the tree.
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Climate and Soil: The Thai B-5 mango plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
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Uses: The Thai B-5 mango is highly valued both for fresh consumption and for use in a variety of culinary applications, including smoothies, desserts, salads, and sauces. Its sweetness and low fiber content make it particularly desirable for eating out of hand.
This variety is popular among mango enthusiasts for its excellent taste, large fruit size, and attractive appearance.