Mangifera indica 'Cac' (Cac 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 'Cac' is a popular Vietnamese mango cultivar known for its excellent eating quality and dependable productivity. Fruits are medium to large, oval to slightly oblong, with smooth green skin that turns yellow when ripe. The fiberless lemon-yellow flesh is juicy and aromatic, offering a flavor described as uncomplicated, blending citrus and peach tones with a gentle floral bouquet.

In cultivation, Cac thrives in warm, humid climates with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. The tree has an open and somewhat leggy growth habit that requires careful tipping and shaping of branches to maintain structure and productivity. It benefits from regular watering and balanced fertilization during the growing season to ensure consistent yields. The tree adapts well to tropical and subtropical regions and is considered disease resistant compared to many other mangoes. 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.