Mango Glossary

An internode is the length of stem between two neighboring nodes. Mango shoots may have different internode lengths depending on growth conditions, developmental stage, and cultivar. Very stretched growth can signal inadequate light, but internode length alone is not a diagnosis or a reliable variety identifier. When selecting propagation material or describing a tree, examine bud position, shoot maturity, overall vigor, and the conditions in which the shoot developed rather than measuring one segment in isolation.

A node is a point on a stem where a leaf or leaves attach and where associated buds may occur. Nodes help a grower describe mango shoot structure and locate potential new growth. They are different from the internodes between them. When making training or propagation cuts, recognize the actual bud and tissue condition instead of assuming every mark on the bark will produce a shoot. Damaged or inactive buds may not respond as expected after pruning.