The Manilita mango is a named mango cultivar that originated in Mexico.
Manilita came from the Pacific coast of southern Mexico[1]. It is descended from a variety brought from southeast Asia, particularly from Manila, Philippines. This was possible through the Galleon Trade that existed between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico (1565-1815).
Manilita was introduced to the United States, where it has gained acceptance as a dooryard cultivar for home growing due to its small growth habit and fruit color. It was listed as a curator's choice mango at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's 2010 International Mango Festival in Miami, Florida[2], and has been promoted by Fairchild for its positive characteristics[3].
A Manilita tree is planted in the collection of the USDA's mango germplasm repository in Miami, Florida[4].
The fruit average less than a pound in weight at maturity and are enlongated in shape similar to southeast Asian descended cultivars. The skins turns a pastel red color, and the flesh is fiberless and sweet. In Florida, the fruit ripen early.
Trees are small and can be maintained at a height of 7 feet, lending to Manilita's labeling as a 'condo mango'[5].
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