The 300 mangoes tree, the fruity wonder that grows in India

2025-06-05 -

In Malihabad, a small town in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, is a tree that defies the expectations of nature and horticulture. This specimen, with more than 125 years old, is capable of producing more than 300 different varieties of mango, an achievement that has captured international attention and has made its creator, Kalimullah Khan, a figure recognized in the agricultural field. As reported by The Better India, this tree is the result of decades of work, experimentation and dedication by Khan, who began his project in 1957.

The tree, which has become a symbol of ingenuity and perseverance, is the product of a meticulous graft process. This method, common in horticulture, consists in joining branches of different mango varieties to a base trunk, known as the ported. Over time, these branches merge and begin to produce fruits as if they were part of the original tree. As explained by The Better India, Khan selected a robust tree and with deep roots in his family garden to start this project, which over the years became a world record when reaching the production of 350 varieties of mango in a single year. Kalimullah Khan, known as the ?man of the mango of India?, began his path in horticulture after leaving school. Since then, he dedicated his life to perfecting the art of graft, a process that not only requires technical knowledge, but also patience and a deep understanding of plants. According to The Better India, Khan believes that trees have been his true teachers, and his connection with them is so deep that he wishes to be buried with them when the end of his life arrives. At 84, Khan has delegated much of the maintenance of the garden to his son, Nazimullah Khan, who takes care of the daily tasks to guarantee the health of the tree. These include protecting it from pests, avoiding excess water during the rains, watering it in times of drought and harvesting the handles at the right time. This constant work is essential to preserve the vitality of such a unique tree and ensure that high quality fruits continue to produce. Kalimullah Khan tree is not only notable because of the amount of varieties it produces, but also because of the uniqueness of some of them. As reported by The Better India, several of these varieties are hybrid created by the Khan family and carry names of famous personalities. Among them are mangoes dedicated to the legendary Crithin Sachin Tendulkar player and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The latter also gave Khan the prestigious Padma Shri, the fourth highest civil honor in the country, in recognition of his contribution to horticulture. The diversity of mangoes that grow in this tree reflects the rich tradition of cultivation of this fruit in India, a country that has more varieties of mango than any other nation. As published by The Better India, this diversity is the result of centuries of horticultural experimentation, and the Khan tree is a living example of how these techniques can be combined to create something extraordinary. A destination of international interest The impact of the work of Kalimullah Khan has transcended the borders of India. As reported by The Better India, cultivators from countries like Dubai and Iran have visited their garden to study their methods and learn from their experience. This international interest underlines the importance of its contribution to agricultural knowledge and its ability to inspire others in the field of horticulture. For Khan, however, the tree is much more than a technical achievement or a symbol of recognition. As he declared to the environment, this tree represents a life of effort, love and dedication. It has been careful with immense love and treasures memories for a lifetime, he said. His emotional connection with the tree is so deep that he considers him an incarnation of his legacy and a testimony of his passion for mangoes. A example of innovation and perseverance The Kalimullah Khan tree is not only a botanical phenomenon, but also an example of how innovation and perseverance can exceed the limits of what is considered possible. According to The Better India, this project, which began as an experiment in a small family garden, has become a symbol of horticultural excellence and a source of inspiration for farmers and scientists around the world. With more than six decades dedicated to the cultivation of mangoes, Khan has shown that the combination of knowledge, patience and love for nature can lead to extraordinary results. Its history, like his tree, is a reminder that even the most ambitious dreams can come true with effort and dedication.