History of the Kensington Mango

In the late 1880’s, a seaman gave some mangoes from South-East Asia to the harbour and customs officer at Bowen, Mr G. F. Sandrock. It is not clear whether Mr Sandrock planted the original seed on his Woodlands property, or whether it was planted by a Mr Mcdonald at Adelaide Park. However, William Lott, a local farmer, took seeds from the best trees and planted them on Valley Orchard, his flood-prone property on the Lower Don river. He built up quite a market in Sydney during the fruiting season, which he supplied by sea.

William’s son, Harry, eventually collected seeds from his father’s best tree (which flood eventually claimed in 1970) and planted them on his own property, Kensington. The Sydney market was highly impressed with his fruit and Harry zealously tried to prevent other growers from obtained seed. However, the growers found ways to acquire it, especially when Harry’s sister began selling the fruit locally.

The reputation of Kensington mangos grew rapidly. The variety is now grown commercially, and in home gardens wherever mangoes will grow in Australia and in many countries.