Fascell

Display of Fascell mangoes in the Redland Summer Fruit Festival, Fruit and Spice Park, Homestead, Florida.

The 'Fascell' mango is a named commercial mango cultivar that originated in south Florida.

History

The original tree was grown from a seed planted by Michael Fascell of Miami, Florida in 1929,[1] and was likely a cross between 'Haden' and 'Brooks'.[2] Fascell's intention was to create a variety to fill the gap between the harvesting seasons of 'Haden' and 'Brooks'.[3] The tree first fruited in 1936. Fascell, a nurseryman and prominent member of the Florida Mango Forum, patented the fruit in 1941 (plant patent number 451),[4] making the 'Fascell' one of the first patented mango varieties in Florida. Beginning in 1942 the tree was sold as nursery stock on a small scale. Though it never became a popular dooryard tree, 'Fascell' is still grown on a small commercial scale in Florida.

A 'Fascell' tree is planted in the collection of the University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida[5]

Description

Display of 'Fascell' mangoes in the Tropical Agricultural Fiesta in the Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, Florida.

The fruit is of oval shape and has no beak, has a laterally compressed appearance, and often appears heart-shaped. It turns yellow at maturity with a distinctive bright carmine colored blush. The flesh is sweet and fiberless, containing a monoembryonic seed.[6] It typically matures from June to July in Florida.

'Fascell' trees are vigorous growers with spreading canopies.

References

See also