Like a mango with an edible peel and the texture of plum flesh, the 'plango' is the latest exotic introduction at British retailer Marks & Spencer after years of collaboration with Thai growers.

The Bouea Macrophylla, or mango plum as it's known, has a bright orange skin which is firmer than a plum and has a sweet taste similar to the Alphonso mango.

Contrary to some media reports, the fruit is not a hybrid of plums and mangoes, however it is related to the latter.

"We're really excited to be introducing the first mango plum to the U.K.," Marks & Spencer fruit expert Shazad Rehman said in a release.

"We know our customers like to try new and interesting fruit and we’re sure this will be something they will really enjoy.

"It has a soft texture and all the delicious flavour of a mango without any of the hassle to prepare as you can eat the skin."

The fruit is much smaller than a traditional mango and typically grows to around 5 centimeters in diameter and 10 centimeters in length. It is best served chilled and is selling for £1 (US$1.49) each.

The mango plum was one of a vast array of fruits highlighted by adventurous botanist Dr. Rolf Blancke in a colorful, passionate series written for www.freshfruitportal.com in 2012 and 2013. The fruit also goes by the names 'Marian plum', 'gandaria' or 'ma-praang', and is also native to Indonesia.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), mango plum trees flower in November-December in Thailand and bear fruit in April and May, while in Indonesia the tree flowers from June-November and fruits from March through June.

 www.freshfruitportal.com