| Mangifera 'Langra' | |
|---|---|
'Langra' mangoes at a farm in Mathurapur, Bihar, India
| |
| Genus | Mangifera |
| Cultivar | 'Langra' |
The 'Langra' mango, also known as Benarasi Langra,[1] is a mango cultivar that was first cultivated in Banaras in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India 250 to 300 years ago.[2][3] Apart from Uttar Pradesh, it is also grown in the states of Bihar and West Bengal,[2][4] as well in the neighbouring country Bangladesh.[5] In some part of northern India and in Bihar 'Langra' mango is also known as 'Malda Mango', referring to the town of Malda in West Bengal and Digha, Patna region in Patna district. It is referred to as the 'king of the mangoes'.[2]
This cultivar retains a greenish tinge while ripening. It is normally harvested during mid-June to last half of July. Around 2006, it was known to be gaining popularity on the international market.[6] It is considered suitable for slicing and canning.[7] One unique quality of Malda mangoes is its rich pulp and small seed. Thus people feel full after eating a couple of mangoes.
The leaf blades have an oval-lanceolate shape and are flat to slightly folded. The apexes are acuminate to sub-acuminate. The secondary veins are arranged as sub-opposite to alternate.[8] They have been measured as follows:
