Cogshall Mango

Scientific name: Mangifera indica

GPS Location: 17° 42′ ″ N, 64° 49′ ″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers: Mangifera indica ‘Cogshall’ (Cogshall Mango)

Scientific Name: Mangifera indica ‘Cogshall’
Common Name: Cogshall Mango
Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew family)
Cultivar Origin: Originally from Florida, USA
Status in the Virgin Islands: Introduced cultivar; occasionally found in private gardens and tropical orchards

🌳 Tree Characteristics

  • Height: Typically maintained at 3–4.5 meters (10–15 feet) with pruning
  • Growth Habit: Compact, upright tree with symmetrical, dense foliage
  • Leaves: Long, leathery, and lanceolate; reddish when young, maturing to dark green
  • Flowers: Tiny, pinkish-white flowers borne in large, branched panicles
  • Fruit: Oval to oblong mango with smooth yellow skin blushed red when ripe; fiberless flesh, deep orange, rich and sweet flavor

📆 Phenological Markers

Spring (March–May)

  • Flowering Peak: Profuse panicle flowering begins in early spring; each panicle bears hundreds of tiny flowers
  • Pollination: High insect activity (especially bees and flies) during flowering
  • Leaf Flush: Young reddish leaves emerge and mature to green, often during or just after flowering

Summer (June–August)

  • Fruit Development: Small green fruits set and begin rapid growth
  • Fruit Ripening: Ripening typically occurs mid to late summer; fruit turns yellow-red and becomes fragrant
  • Harvest Period: Usually July–August in the Caribbean; fruits ripen gradually over several weeks

Fall (September–November)

  • Post-Harvest Recovery: Leaf growth may continue; little flowering or fruit activity
  • Canopy Management: Ideal time for light pruning to maintain shape and encourage airflow

Winter (December–February)

  • Dormant Phase: Slower growth; minimal flowering except in warm winters
  • Pre-Bloom Activity: Bud swell may begin toward late February in early-flowering years

👁️ Observation Tips

  • Young Leaves: Easily visible due to bright red color; good indicator of active growth phase
  • Flowers: Observe flower panicles for color changes, insect visitors, and early fruit set
  • Fruit Signs: Watch for subtle color change from green to yellow or red as ripening begins; sniff for sweet aroma near harvest
  • Mature Fruit Drop: Ripe fruits often fall naturally—check under canopy during peak season

🌿 Ecological and Cultural Notes

  • Ecological Role:
    • Provides nectar for bees and other pollinators
    • Offers dense foliage for bird nesting and shade
  • Cultural/Edible Use:
    • Highly prized for its fiberless, sweet, aromatic fruit
    • Suitable for home gardens due to compact growth and excellent fruit quality
    • Often eaten fresh, in chutneys, or frozen for smoothies

⚠️ Cultivation & Conservation Notes

  • Disease Susceptibility: Generally more resistant to anthracnose than other mangoes, but still vulnerable to fungal issues in humid areas
  • Care: Benefits from pruning and airflow management; prefers full sun and well-drained soils
  • Propagation: Usually propagated by grafting to preserve cultivar traits

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