The Latin name for the mango tree is Mangifera indica. It is native to India, Myanmar (formerly Burma) and East Asia. Due to the popularity of the fruit, it is now cultivated in most tropical climates. It was brought to Africa by Portuguese traders, but has spread mainly to South and Southeast Asia and is still found today.The wood is used extensively for furniture, carpentry, flooring, boxes and crates. It is a symbol of abundance and prosperity, bringing fresh and lush energy to the space.A large evergreen tree, best known for its fruit, the mango. It grows to an average height of 15 to 18 metres when intended for logging, but in its natural habitat it can grow up to 25 to 30 metres tall and 120cm wide. Several varieties are grown for their juicy, fleshy fruit, which is a heavenly delicacy in Thailand with mango sticky rice cooked in coconut milk. Unlike many other hardwoods, the mango tree is relatively easy to work. This makes it an excellent choice for carpentry and furniture making; it is easy to shape, plane and sand, while boasting high strength. As a result, mango wood products contain a high proportion of decorative patterns. It is a densely grained wood, which contributes to the exotic patterns that are clearly visible on some furniture. The natural colour of mango wood ranges from light brown to golden brown. Sometimes it can be beautifully discoloured beyond this due to “mottling”: this is caused by fungal decay, which can turn the wood into different colours such as yellow, or pink with black streaks. Mango wood, like oak and mahogany, shows distinctive grain patterns. It is also susceptible to wood staining, which produces rich deep brown colours and highlights the beautiful pattern. They are specifically sought after by craftsmen and artisans to use in the creation of unique furniture.Mango is also known as the ‘king of fruits’, a symbol of happiness, prosperity and abundance. The mango fruit is also a symbol of love and fertility.
Wood Care
Its strength makes it an excellent material for making furniture. To preserve its durability, it is worth treating it with oil a few times a year to keep the wood fresh and moist.
Although mango wood is fairly water-resistant, it should be wiped regularly with a slightly damp or dry soft cloth to avoid scratches. Avoid any rough surface cleaning tools and silicone-based polishes or cleaners, which can dry out the natural wood over time. Do not use detergents or cleaning products containing ammonia.
You can care for it at home with edible oils such as olive oil, peanut oil, lemon oil and walnut or coconut oil. When applied with a soft cloth, it not only helps to condition but also gives the wood a tropical scent. Mineral oil can also be a good solution for treating wood. Again, apply a small amount with a soft cloth and wait until it is completely absorbed. Mineral oil is flammable, so it is important to be careful. Last but not least, beeswax can also be used to treat the wood. Use a soft cloth to rub the wax over the furniture in two coats. With beeswax, you can simply enhance the beauty of the mango tree, giving it a beautiful shine and a natural protective coating. After the treatment, you can add a little lemon oil or even other food-grade oils if you want to create a tropical atmosphere in the house.
Sustainability
Mango is cultivated as a fruit tree, therefore it is very easily sustained. It grows relatively quickly compared to most hardwoods, reaching maturity after about 15 years. At that point, they produce less fruit or stop producing altogether, and the wood itself becomes usable. Mango growers plant new trees every 7 to 15 years before the older trees become infertile. This creates a sustainable planting and harvesting cycle, and only the less fruitful trees are cut down for timber.
The wood sequesters carbon in the air and the furniture made from it acts as a long-term carbon ‘store’. It does a lot to curb greenhouse gases. It has a large growing stock and the by-product of the tree, mango, is readily available, making mango wood extremely sustainable.
The use of mango wood also means that there is less pressure to use more endangered trees such as teak or the East Indian rosewood (also known as sheesham). The rosewood is slow growing and over-exploitation of its wood and illegal logging threaten its sustainability. Large plantations have been established in Java and India to meet the demand for rosewood in India. Because of its ‘Vulnerable’ status on the IUCN Red List, artisans, craftsmen and furniture manufacturers in India are being encouraged to switch to mango wood, which is safe, sustainable in the long term and easily rivals the material and beauty of teak or rosewood in quality.
Interesting Facts
If you want to preserve the natural beauty of the wood, you should treat it with wax and oil. The wax material should be worked into the wood and the excess wiped off. If oil is used, it is advisable to apply it to the surface with a brush, as much as can be absorbed. These procedures should be carried out at the end of good weather for garden furniture. It is advisable to wipe over with oil every 3-4 months using a lint-free cloth. Paper towels should not be used as they can scratch the surface of the wood. Use a soft bristle brush and soapy water to remove accumulated dirt before treatment. Avoid using pressure washers and steel wool. Wood that has not been cleaned may turn dark grey after a few years. To avoid this, we recommend purchasing a cleaning product specifically recommended for tropical wood, which removes accumulated dirt and grease from the surface of the furniture and even contains brightening ingredients that help to restore the wood to its original colour.
