Kasturi Mango Live Plant (Mangifera casturi)

Rediscover the Rare Sweetness of Kasturi Mango (Mangifera casturi)

Among the forgotten treasures of the fruit world, the Kasturi Mango, botanically known as Mangifera casturi, stands out as a living symbol of flavor, history, and biodiversity. Once found abundantly in the lowland rainforests of Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia, this mango species is now extinct in the wild. Yet, thanks to small-scale cultivation and conservation efforts, the Kasturi mango still finds its way into select gardens and nurseries—offering not just a delicious fruit, but also a living legacy.

Common and Local Names

• Kasturi Mango – Widely used in Indonesia and Malaysia

• Wild Kalimantan Mango – Informal name based on its original habitat

• Scientific Name – Mangifera casturi

• Occasionally called Kalimantan Black Mango due to its deep-hued skin

Unique Features of the Fruit and Tree

• Fruit Appearance: Small, oval fruits usually 5–6 cm long with a dark purple to nearly black skin when ripe

• Pulp Texture: Orange-yellow, juicy, non-fibrous, and fragrant

• Taste Profile: A rich, aromatic sweetness with subtle sour undertones and a resinous mango fragrance

• Tree Growth: Compact and moderately fast-growing, suitable for backyard and container planting

Despite its small size, the Kasturi fruit is often preferred for its intense flavor that rivals many popular mango varieties.

Nutritional and Health Benefits

This rare mango is packed with nutrients that make it not just tasty but also beneficial for well-being:

• Vitamin C – Supports immunity and skin regeneration

• Natural Sugars – Provide clean energy without processed additives

• Fiber – Aids digestion and gut health

• Antioxidants – Help fight oxidative stress and inflammation

• Iron and Potassium – Vital for circulatory and nerve health

Its smaller portion size also makes it suitable for portion-controlled diets while offering intense satisfaction per bite.

Cultural and Traditional Significance

In Kalimantan and parts of Indonesia, the Kasturi mango is considered a fruit of heritage. It is gifted during special occasions and religious feasts and remembered for its role in local agroforestry before the decline of natural rainforests. Growing this tree is now also viewed as a symbol of conservation and ecological respect.

Culinary Use and Taste Experience

• Eaten Fresh – Soft, aromatic flesh is enjoyed straight from the peel

• Used in Preserves – Perfect for jam-making due to its dense flavor

• Juices and Sweets – Can be turned into sherbets, nectar blends, or tropical fruit syrups

• Blends well with yogurt and coconut milk in traditional recipes

Its flavor is often described as a cross between Alphonso mango and passionfruit, with an earthy, musky sweetness that leaves a lingering finish.

Maintenance and Growth of the Kasturi Mango Tree

Though rare in the wild, Kasturi Mango trees adapt well when cultivated with care:

• Climate: Prefers warm, humid climates with good seasonal rain

• Sunlight: Thrives in full to partial sunlight

• Soil: Tolerates a range of soils but grows best in well-drained, loamy beds

• Watering: Moderate; avoid overwatering as roots are sensitive

• Spacing: Ideal for small gardens; requires only moderate spacing

• Pruning: Occasional pruning helps with shape and airflow

It is a medium-maintenance tree—not overly demanding, but requiring occasional attention to reach full potential.

Preservation and Revival

Given that the Mangifera casturi is now extinct in its natural habitat, its cultivation in gardens and specialty nurseries plays a role in conservation. By growing this tree, gardeners help preserve a species once lost to deforestation and honor the biodiversity of Southeast Asia.

Why It Belongs in Your Garden

Bringing a Kasturi Mango plant into your home garden is more than growing a fruit tree—it’s nurturing a rare heirloom of nature. Its manageable size, exotic fragrance, and historical value make it ideal for fruit lovers, collectors, and conservation enthusiasts alike.

At Veliyath Gardens, we offer authentic Kasturi Mango saplings, grown with care and sourced responsibly. This is your chance to own a piece of tropical history, reconnect with lost flavors, and enjoy a fruit tree that’s as meaningful as it is delicious.