Casturi Mango: Borneo’s Rare Treasure

The Casturi mango (Mangifera casturi), a distinct species from Kalimantan, Borneo, represents both natural wonder and conservation challenge, being extinct in the wild since 1998.

Natural Heritage

Endemic to southern Borneo’s Banjarmasin region, this species survives through cultivation in private gardens and farms, preserving its genetic legacy despite habitat loss.

Physical Characteristics

Distinctive features include:

• Small, oval fruits (50-80 grams)
• Dark purple to black skin when ripe
• Dark orange, fibrous flesh
• Unique sweet fragrance
• Robust flavor profile
• Trees reaching 25 meters
• Straight trunk up to 15 meters
• Greyish-white to light brown bark
• Purple young leaves maturing to green

Growth Patterns

Environmental preferences:

• Low-altitude regions
• Alluvial soils
• Adequate water supply
• Humid tropical conditions
• Resistance to anthracnose
• Fruiting from 10 years
• Bi-annual crop potential

Conservation Status

Key conservation aspects:

• IUCN listed as extinct in wild
• Habitat loss from deforestation
• Survival through cultivation
• Cultural mascot of South Kalimantan
• Potential rootstock candidate

Flavor Profile

The Casturi offers:

• Less sweetness than common mangoes
• More robust taste
• Unique aromatic profile
• Distinctive sensory experience

This rare species exemplifies both the rich biodiversity of Borneo and the critical importance of conservation efforts in preserving unique genetic resources.

Mango Characteristics

• Taste: Indochinese
• Sweetness: Good
• Sourness: Mild
• Fiber: Fibrous
• Fruit Size: Small
• Eaten Green: No
• Production: Good
• Season: Varies; often produces two crops a year
• Growth Habit: Vigorous
• Tree Size: Large
• Disease Resistance: Excellent
• Seed Type: Polyembryonic