Mangifera indica 'Si Siam' (Si Siam Mango)

Mangifera indica (Mango) is a large evergreen tree native to South Asia and among the oldest cultivated fruit trees, grown in India for over 4,000 years. In tropical climates it can reach 60-80 feet with a broad crown of glossy leaves. Small yellowish flowers appear in spring, followed by fleshy drupes known worldwide as mangoes.

Fruit shape varies from oval to kidney-shaped, with skin that may remain green or ripen to yellow, orange, or red. The flesh is juicy and aromatic, sometimes fiberless and sweet, sometimes more resinous depending on type. Mangoes are eaten fresh, dried, blended, or cooked, making them one of the most versatile tropical fruits. Some people experience irritation on the lips from the peel, so fruits are usually eaten peeled.

The tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil in warm climates, hardy only to USDA Zones 9-11. With hundreds of named cultivars, Mangifera indica remains one of the world s most widely grown and culturally important fruit trees.

See Mango varieties.

Mangifera indica 'Si Siam' is a Thai mango cultivar that shares the elegant elongated shape of Nam Doc Mai but is smaller in size. The fruits ripen to a golden yellow skin and carry a flat, thin seed, allowing for a higher proportion of sweet, fiberless flesh. They are often borne in clusters and are compared in character to the Okrung group, with a rich sweetness and smooth texture that makes them especially desirable for fresh consumption.

In cultivation, 'Si Siam' thrives in warm tropical climates with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It has the ability to produce not only a main summer crop but also off-season harvests in favorable climates, similar to Choc Anon. Regular watering and balanced feeding support consistent yields, while pruning helps maintain manageable growth. This cultivar is not frost tolerant and should be grown in USDA Zones 10-11, with protection required if temperatures fall below 40-45 F. Its combination of manageable fruit size, sweetness, and potential for multiple crops makes it a valuable choice for both home growers and collectors of Thai mangoes.