Mango (Fruit Punch) Grafted - 80-100cm

The “Fruit Punch” mango is a cultivar of Mangifera indica developed in Florida (USA) by Gary Zill in Boynton Beach.

It is believed to be a seedling of variety “Zill-80”, with the pollinating parent likely being the variety “Jakarta”.

In many sources it is described as early-to-mid season ripening (in Florida) around late May through June, or mid-season (July-August) depending on region.

Growth habit: The tree is moderately vigorous, upright with an open canopy. Some sources suggest that with regular pruning it can be kept in the 10–20 ft (≈3–6 m) height range in favourable climates.

It is not considered a “condo” mango (i.e., not ideal for long-term container life) because of its size and growth rate.

Fruiting: It is described as a good producer under appropriate conditions.

Disease susceptibility: The fruit and tree are noted as moderately susceptible to bacterial black spot.

Fruit Description & Flavor Profile

Shape & Size: The fruit are oval to slightly oblong, medium size—commonly around 1–1.5 lb (≈0.45–0.7 kg) in size in many descriptions.

Skin Colour: At maturity the skin develops a red blush over an orange to red/pinkish background on the sun-exposed side, while the shaded side may be yellowish-green or yellow

Flesh & Texture: The flesh is yellow to yellow-orange, very firm, and described consistently as fiberless (so smooth eating) in the best examples.

Flavor: The flavour is often described as a tropical “fruit punch” experience — combining sweet, syrupy, and slightly acidic (subacid) elements. Notes cited include citrus, pineapple, green grapes, tropical fruit medleys, with a strong sweet resinous aroma.

For example, one grower wrote:

“The smell alone was incredible. … The first bite was enough to make you understand how it was named. … It tastes like a sweeter, more complex Kent on steroids.”

Seed type: This cultivar is monoembryonic (i.e., seedlings from the seed will not reliably produce true-to-type fruit as the parent).

Growing Considerations (Especially for Australia / Queensland)

Since you’re in Brisbane (Queensland), Australia, here are some practical notes:

Climate: Mango trees generally prefer warm, subtropical/tropical conditions – full sun, minimal frost. In Brisbane’s climate (subtropical) the cultivar should do well if given good care.

Soil & Drainage: Plant in a well-draining site; mangoes dislike waterlogged soil. Amend heavy soils with organic matter and ensure irrigation does not keep the roots soggy.

Space & Pruning: Plan for medium size tree-space. Even if you prune, ensure the tree has enough room for an open canopy to allow light and air flow.

Disease management: Since Fruit Punch is moderately susceptible to bacterial black spot (especially in humid, wet conditions) managing canopy airflow, avoiding excessive leaf wetness, and keeping the area around the tree clean of fallen fruit/leaves will help.

Harvest timing: Because the flavour is best when the fruit has developed good maturity, monitor colour change and feel (slight give) rather than relying solely on skin blush. As noted, high sun exposure gives red blush but does not alone mean ripe.

If you plant a Fruit Punch tree, you can expect: an attractive mango with red blush-skin, smooth fiberless flesh, and a distinctively rich tropical flavour that lives up to its name. The tree is medium-vigour, manageable with pruning, and suitable for a garden in a warm region. To get the best flavour, ensure good growing conditions and pick at the right time.