Mangifera indica is the scientific (binomial) name of which commonly cultivated fruit tree that is widely known as the king of fruits in many regions?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Mango

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Scientific names allow scientists and students to refer to plant species precisely, avoiding confusion caused by different local names. Mangifera indica is one of the most commonly cited scientific names in basic botany, especially in regions where the associated fruit is very popular. This question asks you to match Mangifera indica with its correct common fruit name from a list of familiar fruits.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Mangifera is the genus name, indicating a group of related trees.
  • Indica suggests an association with India or the Indian subcontinent, where the tree is widely grown.
  • The options list guava, mango, amla and jack fruit, all common fruits in South Asia.
  • The fruit traditionally called the king of fruits in many parts of India is the mango.


Concept / Approach:
Mangifera indica is the botanical name for the mango tree, a tropical evergreen tree that produces sweet, fleshy fruits. The genus Mangifera includes several species, but Mangifera indica is the domesticated species most widely cultivated for its fruit. Guava is known scientifically as Psidium guajava, amla as Phyllanthus emblica or Emblica officinalis, and jack fruit as Artocarpus heterophyllus. Matching these scientific names with the correct common names shows that Mangifera indica must correspond to mango among the given options.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Mangifera indica is frequently mentioned in school botany as the scientific name of mango. Step 2: Associate the genus Mangifera with mango trees, including the many cultivated varieties grown in orchards. Step 3: Recognise that guava belongs to the genus Psidium, which eliminates option a. Step 4: Remember that amla is often given the scientific name Phyllanthus emblica or Emblica officinalis, and jack fruit is identified as Artocarpus heterophyllus. Step 5: Conclude that mango is the only common fruit in the list whose scientific name is Mangifera indica.


Verification / Alternative check:
Botany textbooks and horticultural guides list Mangifera indica as the primary mango species cultivated for fruit production. They describe the tree morphology, flowering and fruiting characteristics associated with mango orchards. Fruit industry reports and agricultural extension leaflets also use this scientific name when discussing mango varieties, diseases and cultivation practices. By contrast, descriptions of guava, amla and jack fruit always appear under different scientific names. This consistent usage confirms that Mangifera indica refers to the mango tree.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a, guava, has the scientific name Psidium guajava and thus does not match Mangifera indica.

Option c, amla, is usually known as Phyllanthus emblica or Emblica officinalis, not Mangifera indica.

Option d, jack fruit, is described botanically as Artocarpus heterophyllus, which is a different genus and species.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may mix up scientific names because they learn many at once and some names sound similar, especially when they all have an indica or officinalis component. Another issue is relying solely on regional names and not associating them properly with Latin binomials. To avoid these errors, it is helpful to memorise a short core list, such as Mangifera indica for mango, Psidium guajava for guava and Azadirachta indica for neem, and to recall them regularly when practising general science questions.


Final Answer:
Mangifera indica is the scientific name of the Mango tree.

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